Conservation Milestone: Similipal Tiger Reserve Emerges as Haven for Rare Black Tigers

Odisha: In a significant conservation revelation, Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha stands as the exclusive home to melanistic tigers, commonly known as Black Tigers. The 2022 cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation sheds light on this unique habitat, recording a total of 16 tigers within Similipal Tiger Reserve, with an astonishing 10 individuals boasting the distinctive melanistic trait.

In a proactive move towards the active management and rehabilitation of tigers, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure. This strategic approach aims at preserving the unique genetic composition of Similipal, identifying it as a distinct genetic cluster for focused conservation efforts.

The Similipal Tiger Reserve receives vital funding assistance through the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH). The allocated funds cater to a spectrum of conservation initiatives, including raising awareness on tiger and wildlife conservation, habitat management, protection, eco-development, human resource and infrastructure development, and voluntary village relocation. These efforts align with the sanctioned Annual Plan of Operation derived from a statutory Tiger Conservation Plan.

Financial Support for Conservation: A Breakdown

The financial support extended to Similipal Tiger Reserve over the last five years underscores the commitment to its conservation:

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, shared this noteworthy information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. Similipal Tiger Reserve’s pivotal role in the conservation of melanistic tigers highlights the importance of preserving diverse habitats for the long-term well-being of India’s rich biodiversity.