India is a land of rich biodiversity, home to some of the most unique and fascinating animals in the world. And one of them is the melanistic tigers. These tigers are a rare genetic variant of the Bengal tiger, which are distinguished by their unusually dark coat with thick black stripes. What’s even more special about them is that these tigers are only found in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve.
What Are Melanistic Tigers & Why Are They So Rare?
Melanistic tigers are rare, majestic big cats that have broad striking black stripes and the usual tawny skin colour of the tigers is barely visible beside it. This animal is a true natural wonder and a symbol of biodiversity of India, and interestingly, Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve is the only place in the world where you can find them.
So, melanism is a genetic condition that leads to increased melanin production in a living being. It can cause black or nearly black skin, feathers, or hair in animals. The Royal Bengal Tigers of Similipal have a distinctive lineage with elevated melanin levels. This has caused the rise of black and yellow interspersed stripes in the tigers, making them pseudo-melanistic.
How Many Of These Tigers Exist & Where To Spot Them?
Melanistic tigers are also called ‘black tigers’ as the black stripes of these tigers are so thick and dense that the tawny skin colour is barely visible. According to Parveen Kaswan, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, these tigers were first spotted in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in 2007. After that, a series of documented sightings were noted throughout the reserve. If you wish to spot these tigers in real life, then you will have to plan a trip to Odisha’s tiger reserve, as it’s the only place where these tigers roam. In 2024, the state announced a special Melanistic Tiger Safari as well. Recently, there have been reports that the project has finally received a nod from the Central Zoo Authority.
According to the All India Tiger Estimation, Similipal Tiger Reserve had 16 tigers, of which 10 displayed melanistic traits, in 2022.
Also Read: After 17 Years, Rajasthan To Once Again Airlift Tigers To Relocate Them To Its Wildlife Reserves
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then we suggest you plan a jungle safari to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve soon! If you’re lucky, you might even spot the rare melanistic tigers!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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