BHUBANESWAR: Amid growing concern over rising population of melanistic tigers in Similipal tiger reserve (STR), the Odisha government has sought permission from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to introduce tigresses from other landscapes to improve genetic diversity of big cats in the protected area.
Similipal is the only habitat in the world to have black or pseudo-melanistic tigers, a rare variant of the Royal Bengal Tiger. As per the All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-24 report released on Monday, 13 out of the 24 tigers camera trapped in Similipal are melanistic. The condition is due to melanism that results in dark pigmentation in skin.
PCCF (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden (CWW) Susanta Nanda said black tiger is a phenotype that has occurred in Similipal primarily due to inbreeding. “Though it isn’t a threat for the big cats, we want to improve genetic diversity of this isolated tiger population. We have written to NTCA seeking its permission to introduce female tigers from other landscapes,” Nanda said.
The Forest department has found the greater Similipal corridor comprising Similipal, Hadagarh, Kuldiha is being frequently used by the big cats. More protection measures are being drawn up to safeguard this corridor, he said.
Addressing mediapersons, Nanda said the AOTE 2023-24 that put state’s big cat figure at 30 doesn’t dispute the All India Tiger Estimate (AITE) 2022 which had estimated 20 tigers last year. “The two exercises have been carried out in different years and there has been an increase in tiger population since the last count carried out by the NTCA. We have followed the NTCA norms while carrying out the exercise,” the PCCF (wildlife) said.
He informed that the tiger count exercise by the state will now be carried out every year. Similarly, camera traps will be used in Similipal throughout the year for effective monitoring and surveillance aimed at better conservation. The elephant census in the state will also be conducted towards May this year, he informed.
Tigresses to be brought in to improve genetic diversity
The chief wildlife warden, however, said there is no fresh plan or proposal for creation of a new tiger reserve in the state. Though the NTCA has given approval for Sunabeda tiger reserve, the state government is assessing the required rehabilitation measures if the proposed habitat is notified. Besides, development works to be affected in the process are also being assessed. The habitat, however, has been provided a sanctuary-level protection, he said.
Similarly, efforts are also on to revive the big cat population in Satkosia tiger reserve. “The Forest department is now focused on creation of meadows and more inviolate space in the tiger reserve,” Nanda said.