The recent news highlights the unraveling mystery behind black tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, by a team of scientists. STR is known to be home to the world’s only population of melanistic tigers, characterized by their thick, broad black stripes, which are starkly different from normal tigers.
Key Points on Black Tigers
Black Tigers are not a distinct species or geographic subspecies but a unique color variant of the tiger. Their distinctive dark coat and pattern can be attributed to a mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene. These darker shades found on black tigers are referred to as pseudo-melanistic or false colored. The chances of finding a tiger with this mutant gene in Similipal Tiger Reserve stand at a high rate of 60%.
Factors Behind the Presence of the Black Color
The predominant occurrence of the black color amongst these tigers is a result of geographical isolation leading to inbreeding amongst genetically related individuals over many generations. This factor plays a vital role in maintaining tiger conservation as such isolated and inbred populations are susceptible to extinction even within short spans of time.
About Similipal Tiger Reserve
Similipal Tiger Reserve was officially recognized as a tiger reserve in 1956 and incorporated under Project Tiger in 1973. Subsequently, the Indian Government declared it a biosphere reserve in June 1994. In 2009, Similipal joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve.
The Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve, popularly referred to as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, encompasses Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife sanctuary, and Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary.
Location and Wildlife of Similipal Tiger Reserve
Similipal Tiger Reserve is nestled in the northern section of Mayurbhanj District in Odisha. Geographically, it occupies the eastern end of the Eastern Ghat. It boasts a rich wildlife density with numerous species of animals like tigers and elephants, 304 species of birds, 20 species of amphibians, and 62 species of reptiles.
Tribes Inhabiting Similipal
Similipal is home to two tribes, the Erenga Kharias and the Mankirdias. These tribal communities live within the forest reserves and engage in traditional agricultural activities such as seed gathering and timber collection.
Vulnerability to Forest Fires
The reserve is at risk from both natural and human-induced forest fires. Natural causes include lightning strikes or high temperatures, while man-made factors mainly involve instances of poaching and hunting. Poachers often set fire to small forest patches to distract wild animals.
Other Major Protected Areas in Odisha
Odisha boasts several other significant protected areas. These include Bhitarkanika National Park, Badrama WLS, Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS, Hadgarh WLS, Baisipalli WLS, Kotagarh WLS, Nandankanan WLS, Lakhari Valley WLS, and Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024