Tiger Conservation / Rare Melanistic Tigress Found Dead in Similipal Tiger Reserve
·1 hour ago·2 min read
Key Points
A five-year-old melanistic tigress was found dead in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, on August 6. Officials reported no external injuries, and samples have been sent for lab analysis. The tigress’s death is a major loss to the rare black tiger population.
Baripada, Aug 8: A rare melanistic tigress, aged around five years, was found dead inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, an official said on Saturday.
Forest officials discovered the carcass on August 6 during a routine patrolling. The tigress, part of Similipal’s unique population of pseudo-melanistic tigers, showed no external injury marks. A post-mortem was conducted the following day under National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocol, and biological samples have been sent to Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, for detailed analysis.
Authorities confirmed that the carcass was incinerated as per NTCA guidelines, with the process documented through photographs and video. Officials said the cause of death would be determined after laboratory reports, though preliminary observations suggest natural causes or possible infection.
Similipal is home to about 35 tigers, including 19 rare melanistic individuals, distinguished by their unusually broad and fused stripe patterns that give them a darker appearance. The reserve is the only known habitat of these tigers, making the loss of one a significant setback for conservation efforts.
Wildlife experts have expressed concern over the incident, noting that the death underscores the need for closer monitoring of the health and habitat conditions of Similipal’s tiger population. The reserve has long been under scrutiny for challenges ranging from poaching threats to human–wildlife conflict and limited visibility of its rare tigers.
Also Read: Centre Tightens Tiger Reserve Protection, Ends Outsourcing Staff
Officials assured that the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness. “The carcass was fresh, and no foul play is suspected at this stage. We are awaiting lab results to confirm the exact cause,” a senior forest officer said.
The death of the tigress has reignited discussions on strengthening conservation measures in Similipal, which remains one of India’s most ecologically sensitive tiger habitats.
Forest officials discovered the carcass on August 6 during a routine patrolling. The tigress, part of Similipal’s unique population of pseudo-melanistic tigers, showed no external injury marks. A post-mortem was conducted the following day under National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocol, and biological samples have been sent to Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, for detailed analysis.
Authorities confirmed that the carcass was incinerated as per NTCA guidelines, with the process documented through photographs and video. Officials said the cause of death would be determined after laboratory reports, though preliminary observations suggest natural causes or possible infection.
Similipal is home to about 35 tigers, including 19 rare melanistic individuals, distinguished by their unusually broad and fused stripe patterns that give them a darker appearance. The reserve is the only known habitat of these tigers, making the loss of one a significant setback for conservation efforts.
Wildlife experts have expressed concern over the incident, noting that the death underscores the need for closer monitoring of the health and habitat conditions of Similipal’s tiger population. The reserve has long been under scrutiny for challenges ranging from poaching threats to human–wildlife conflict and limited visibility of its rare tigers.
Also Read: Centre Tightens Tiger Reserve Protection, Ends Outsourcing Staff
Officials assured that the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness. “The carcass was fresh, and no foul play is suspected at this stage. We are awaiting lab results to confirm the exact cause,” a senior forest officer said.
The death of the tigress has reignited discussions on strengthening conservation measures in Similipal, which remains one of India’s most ecologically sensitive tiger habitats.
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