similipal tiger reserve

A rare sight of a melanistic tigress with her three black cubs has captivated audiences from Odisha's similipal tiger reserve. This extraordinary photograph highlights the reserve's unique status as the only known place globally to commonly find these pseudo-melanistic Bengal tigers, offering a significant boost to conservation awareness.

Tragedy struck similipal tiger reserve as severed legs of a missing villager, Sadhu Naik, were discovered. While locals suspect a tiger attack, forest officials are investigating, stating no conclusive evidence of animal involvement has been found yet. The search for remaining body parts continues as samples are sent for analysis.

similipal tiger reserve officials apprehended three individuals possessing a rare melanistic tiger skin. The coordinated operation thwarted a potential deal with traders. Authorities suspect the skin might be from a tiger hunted within the reserve, though its origin and the timeline of the incident are under investigation.

Authorities in similipal tiger reserve have identified a seized melanistic tiger hide as belonging to a sub-adult male hunted near human habitation. Interrogation of three arrested individuals suggests the tiger was trapped in a snare and subsequently skinned, with further investigation underway to identify all involved parties.

Odisha has witnessed a disturbing surge in elephant poaching, with 117 tusks seized between 2020-21 and February 2026. Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts are hotspots for these seizures. Experts highlight the urgent need for a dedicated elephant protection force to combat professional poachers and address the alarming decline in elephant populations, particularly in the Similipal landscape.

With Maoist presence now absent in Nuapada district, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is exploring night-stay cottages outside its boundaries to boost tourism. Officials visited similipal tiger reserve for insights into community-involved ecotourism, focusing on beautifying waterfalls and creating visitor amenities. Plans include developing facilities near Cherechua and constructing visitor-friendly roads.

In a strategic move to enhance forest management, the Odisha government has appointed new deputy directors for the South Division of similipal tiger reserve alongside regional chief conservators for Sambalpur. This reshuffling of 17 Indian Forest Service officers also includes fresh faces in several divisional forest officer positions, signaling a proactive approach to environmental stewardship across the state.

Seven forest personnel, including a forester and two guards, were injured in a mob attack in Mayurbhanj district after an elephant damaged property. Villagers allegedly assaulted staff and vandalized a vehicle, claiming a delayed response. Forest officials suspect anger over increased anti-poaching measures. A new squad is monitoring the elephant.

AI-enabled cameras inside similipal tiger reserve led to the arrest of five armed poachers. Acting on photographic evidence, authorities raided a village and recovered firearms. This success highlights the growing role of AI surveillance in combating poaching, following a previous large-scale operation in February.

Six new ecotourism destinations are being developed across Satkosia Tiger Reserve's Mahanadi and Satkosia divisions. These sites will feature interpretation centers, arrival plazas, and canteens to enhance visitor experience. The project aims to boost tourism and awareness, with plans to resume tiger translocation following expert approval.

similipal tiger reserve's south division is successfully curbing forest fires, reporting minimal active points for two consecutive years. Advanced strategies, including AI cameras, drones, and community involvement, are credited for this achievement. This year, 50 mini drones have been deployed to swiftly detect and extinguish fires, significantly reducing their spread and impact on wildlife.

The government on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that there are 10 black tigers (melanistic tigers) in India and all are found exclusively in Odisha's similipal tiger reserve. "As per the 2022 cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation, 16 individuals were recorded at similipal tiger reserve, out of which 10 were melanistic," said minister of state for environment, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, in response to a Parliament question. He said, "Melanistic tigers have been recorded only in the similipal tiger reserve in Odisha.

similipal tiger reserve in Odisha, India, is the only place on Earth where melanistic, or black tigers, roam. These tigers owe their unique dark coats to a rare genetic mutation. The reserve is home to around 10 black tigers, with recent reports of melanistic cubs being born.

A court has sentenced 11 individuals to four years in prison for poaching a male Asiatic elephant in similipal tiger reserve in November 2023. The elephant was killed with a poisonous arrow, and its tusks were removed. This conviction is significant in dismantling elephant hunting gangs operating in the region.

The similipal tiger reserve in Mayurbhanj district is the only landscape in the world that is home to melanistic tigers.

The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to Odisha government and central environmental authorities over alleged inaction in notifying the eco-sensitive zone of similipal tiger reserve. A petition highlighted unregulated construction, tree felling, and waste dumping within the proposed zone, prompting the NGT's intervention.

Tigress Yamuna, released in similipal tiger reserve, has remained in Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary for over a year without encountering a male tiger. This lack of mating raises concerns for genetic diversity in Similipal's tiger population, which already shows a high rate of pseudo-melanism due to inbreeding.

The state government has deployed 14 newly customized Bolero campers fitted with winches, remote controlled movable search light, and Olive green colour to protect the similipal tiger reserve. The vehicles have seats along with hoods to accommodate frontline staff. They will be used by the Similipal Special Tiger Protection Force, joint task force, and other frontline staff for protection duty in sensitive areas. The vehicles will enable movement on steep ghat and muddy dirt roads during the monsoons. The state government has allowed these vehicles for the similipal tiger reserve Foundation with the help of the Odisha mining corporation.

The black tiger, a rare variant of the Bengal tiger, is found exclusively in Odisha's similipal tiger reserve. Researchers attribute its unique dark coat to a mutation in the Taqpep gene, causing pseudo-melanism. Similipal's ecosystem, with its diverse flora and fauna, supports this rare tiger population. Conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and community engagement, are crucial for their survival. A melanistic tiger safari, set to open in 2024, aims to boost tourism and awareness.

The similipal tiger reserve in Mayurbhanj district is the world’s only landscape that is home to melanistic tigers.Having no contiguity with any neighbouring such reserve, Similipal’s 2,750 sqkm landscape offers little scope for tigers to mate with big cats of other reserves.