• UGI USER
  • Jan 29, 2024
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MELANISTIC TIGER SAFARI NEAR SIMILIPAL TIGER RESERVE (STR)

Why in the News:

  • Odisha plans a melanistic tiger safari near Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
  • In-principle approval received from the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s technical committee.
  • Initially, three melanistic tigers from Nandankanan Zoo and rescued/orphaned tigers will be housed.
Source: NTCA

About Melanistic Tigers:

  • Melanistic Tigers: Unique lineage in Similipal with higher melanin levels, resulting in black and yellow striped coats.
  • Research suggests a mutation in the Taqpep gene causes broadened stripes in melanistic tigers.
  • Similipal’s isolated population leads to inbreeding, contributing to the presence of melanistic tigers.
About Simlipal Tiger Reserve :

·   Location: STR lies in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj District, surrounded by high plateaus and hills. The highest peaks are Khairiburu and Meghashini.

·   History: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956, it joined ‘Project Tiger’ in 1973. UNESCO recognized it as a Biosphere Reserve in 2009.

·   Terrain and Vegetation: Terrain is undulating with grasslands and wooded areas. Vegetation includes tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen patches.

·   Unique Feature: STR hosts the world’s only population of melanistic tigers.

·   Tribal Presence: The region is inhabited by various tribes like Kolha, Santhala, and Gondas.