Bhubaneswar: Odisha is soon going to have an exclusive Melanistic Tiger Safari near Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district.
Tourists and visitors can now have a glimpse of the rare and majestic species found only in Odisha.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik shared the information in a post on X.
Glad to announce that #Odisha is setting up an exclusive Melanistic Tiger Safari near Similipal Tiger Reserve in #Mayurbhanj. Tourists and visitors can now have a glimpse of the rare and majestic species found only in Odisha. pic.twitter.com/h3g2ep8tui
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 24, 2024
The Similipal National Park had witnessed sightings of black tigers or pseudo-melanistic tigers.
These rare creatures, characterized by a striking dark stripe pattern against a lighter background of white or golden fur, have only been camera-trapped within Similipal National Park to date.
Melanistic Tiger Safari – a first of its kind in the world will be established near Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, said an official press release issued by the PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden later in the day.
According to the press release, a 200 Ha patch of area adjoining NH-18 has been identified for this purpose. About 100 Ha will be display area and the balance area shall be utilized for creation of veterinary care facilities including rescue center, staff infrastructure and visitors amenities etc. The site is about 15 km distance from Similipal Tiger Reserve matching the same landscape.
It is a known fact that Similipal Tiger Reserve is the only home for melanistic tigers in wild in the world.
As per last All India Tiger Estimation Report published by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2018, melanistic tigers have been found in wild only in Similipal Tiger Reserve.
Surplus tigers from Nandankanan Zoo and rescued/orphaned tigers who are not fit for wild but fit for display, shall be housed in the safari in an open enclosure.
The safari is set to elevate the wildlife tourism sector in Odisha to new heights. This pioneering attraction shall highlight the state’s commitment to preservation and showcasing its unique biodiversity.
This initiative will allow conservationists, researchers and enthusiasts and the general public to witness the rare beauty of these majestic creatures up close, while raising awareness about their conservation needs.
The site being located adjoining National Highway and near to Baripada town, is expected to receive impressive footfall of visitors.
Further, it would be an added attraction for visitors coming to Similipal Tiger Reserve.
The proposal in this respect submitted by State Government to NTCA has been accorded “in-principle” approval by the Technical Committee of NTCA.
A committee to be constituted by NTCA shall visit the site for feasibility study before giving final nod by the Authority. Other statutory clearance including CZA approval shall follow.
