Black Tigers Exclusively Found in Odisha’s Similipal, Confirms Central Report

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve has captured the spotlight for its unique population of black tigers, a rare and mesmerizing sight in the Indian wilderness. In a recent update from the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, revealed that all 10 melanistic tigers identified in the 2022 All India Tiger Estimation reside within the reserve’s boundaries. This makes Similipal the sole known habitat of these majestic creatures in India.

Highlighting conservation efforts, Choubey mentioned that the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has issued a standard operating procedure for the active management and rehabilitation of tigers in Similipal. The reserve has been recognized as a distinct genetic cluster for conservation based on genetic composition.

Funding support for Similipal comes through the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH) scheme, covering various aspects such as tiger conservation, awareness, habitat management, protection, eco-development, and infrastructure development. Notably, the Centre allocated Rs 659.82 lakh for Similipal in the fiscal year 2022-23, reflecting a decrease from the previous year’s Rs 766.06 lakh.

MP Prashanta Nanda sought details on black tigers in different forests nationwide, particularly in Similipal and Kandhamal. The minister assured ongoing government action for the protection of black tigers, with allocated funds decreasing marginally in the latest fiscal year.