Odisha is set to make wildlife history with the world’s first melanistic tiger safari. The groundbreaking project, located near Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, is slated to open by the end of this year. This unique initiative aims to showcase and protect the rare black tigers native to the region.
Pioneering Conservation: Odisha’s Black Tiger Safari Project
The proposed safari has received “in-principle” approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Additionally, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has already endorsed the project. Susanta Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, confirmed these developments.
Initially, the safari will feature melanistic tigers currently residing at Nandan Kanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar. The 200-hectare site, adjacent to NH-18, will provide a spacious and natural habitat for these unique felines.
Similipal: Home of the Rare Melanistic Tigers
Similipal Tiger Reserve holds global renown as the only known habitat for wild melanistic tigers. This distinctive feature makes the reserve a crucial site for tiger conservation and research. The new safari aims to capitalize on this unique asset.
The safari’s location, just 15 km from Similipal Tiger Reserve, mirrors the natural landscape of the tigers’ original habitat. This thoughtful design ensures a comfortable environment for the relocated tigers.
Boosting Wildlife Tourism and Conservation Efforts
Odisha’s melanistic tiger safari project serves multiple purposes. It aims to bolster wildlife tourism in the state while providing a unique opportunity for conservationists, researchers, and enthusiasts. Visitors will have the rare chance to observe these elusive creatures up close.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled plans for this safari in January. The initiative aligns with Odisha’s broader conservation efforts, including protecting crucial forest corridors for tiger populations migrating from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Rising Tiger Population in Odisha
Recent surveys indicate a positive trend in Odisha’s tiger population. The first All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-24 reported an increase to 30 Royal Bengal Tigers in the past two years. This figure surpasses the 17 tigers reported in the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2022.
The AOTE exercise captured 27 adult tigers on camera, comprising 14 females and 13 males. Evidence of an additional three adult tigers was also found in the tiger reserve, highlighting the success of conservation efforts.
