Context:
According to Union government Melanistic tigers have been recorded only in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha.
- As per All India Tiger Estimation (2022), out of 16 tigers 10 were melanistic at STR.
Black Tigers:
- A rare colour variant of the Bengal tiger
- Abnormal dark or black coat termed as “pseudo melanistic or false coloured”
- Reason for development black broadened stripes – A single mutation in the gene Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep)
- IUCN status – Endangered
Melanistic refers to having very dark skin/hair due to higher-than-normal level of the melanin pigment.
Similipal Tiger Reserve:
- Location – Odisha (Mayurbhanj district)
- Part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve (Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve)
- Tribes found – Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias
- Major Rivers – Khairi and Deo
- Identified as a distinct genetic cluster for conservation.
- Harbours the only population of melanistic tigers in the world.
- Receives funding assistance under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH).
- Recognitions –
- Designated a tiger reserve in 1956
- Brought under Project Tiger in the year 1973.
- Declared a biosphere reserve in 1994.
- Part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve since 2009.
- Major Protected Areas in Odisha –
- Bhitarkanika National Park.
- Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS.
- Baisipalli WLS.
- Nandankanan WLS.
- Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
(d) Sundarbans
Answer: (c)
