Bhubaneswar: Wildlife enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement after a rare sighting of two tiger cubs, including a melanistic variant, during a jungle safari at Similipal National Park and Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj on Tuesday.
Tourists were treated to a unique spectacle when they spotted the melanistic tiger cub alongside a regular cub. The extraordinary moment was captured by Anirban Pal, a tourist, whose photograph has been widely shared.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of Odisha shared the remarkable image on his social media handle, highlighting the exceptional biodiversity of the Similipal Tiger Reserve. This reserve is renowned for being the only natural habitat of melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers in the world.
The sighting has also underscored the genetic diversity within Similipal’s tiger population. As per the last census, an estimated 13 melanistic tigers inhabit the reserve, making it a truly special place for wildlife conservation.
Following the shocking poaching incident of a melanistic tiger from Similipal on January 12, the forest department sprang into action. To prevent such incidents in the future and preserve the unique genetic pool of Similipal, the department adopted several measures. These include the deployment of AI-powered cameras to detect and deter poachers, ensuring heightened surveillance and protection of the tiger reserve’s precious wildlife.
