Rare Melanistic Tiger Spotted at Similipal Tiger Reserve

Baripada: A rare melanistic tiger was recently captured on camera in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve, located in the Mayurbhanj district.

The striking footage was shared by Odisha’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Susanta Nanda, on his X handle on Friday.

Here you are seeing the first video of the melanistic tiger from Simlipal Tiger taken in DSLR camera with natures music in the background 💕 pic.twitter.com/yCUenH9Sau

— Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) October 4, 2024

This sighting comes as the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Odisha government prepare to launch the world’s first melanistic tiger safari near Baripada along NH-18. Sources suggest the safari will open to visitors by the end of this year.

Similipal is the only known habitat globally where melanistic tigers—characterised by broad, thicker black stripes—are found. The first recorded sighting of these tigers in the reserve was in 2007. A census conducted in 2016 by the Odisha Forest Department revealed the presence of six melanistic tigers in Similipal.