Rare Black-Coated Tigers Puzzle Experts at Similipal Tiger Reserve

Mayurbhanj: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has enlisted the expertise of wildlife specialists to investigate the appearance of black-coloured skins among several of its tigers. The authorities are keen to understand the underlying causes for this colour variation in the tigers’ skin, which was captured through camera traps.

The unique Similipal reserve hosts the world’s only known habitat of rare melanistic (black) tigers. Approximately 37% of tigers in STR boast distinct broad black stripes that are more pronounced than those found in regular tigers. This population has notably increased from 8 in 2018 to 16 in 2021-22, as per a Centre report, marking significant growth.

The recent observation of at least 15 tigers with black-coloured skin has prompted action. A team of wildlife experts hailing from Bangalore is presently engaged in an in-depth study to identify the root causes behind this skin color transformation among the reserve’s big cats.

“The findings from the research led by wildlife experts will unveil the reasons behind this intriguing phenomenon,” remarked Prakash Chand Gogineni, Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve. It’s worth noting that the presence of melanistic tigers in Similipal was initially documented in 2007, marking an important discovery in the conservation world.