Bhubaneswar, Sep 19: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday expressed pride and appreciation over the featuring of Similipal’s rare melanistic tiger on the cover of National Geographic magazine’s October edition. The striking image, captured by renowned wildlife photographer Prasenjeet Yadav, showcases the elusive black tiger from Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district.

It was joyous for me when I saw the elusive black beauty of #Similipal, adorn the cover of the @NatGeo magazine. Similipal, the heart of #Odisha, is blessed by the Bhu-devi with unique flora & fauna that has always made the biosphere an apple of eye for photographers, nature… pic.twitter.com/VKIOUNlAlw

The Chief Minister took to social media to thank Yadav for bringing global attention to one of Odisha’s most unique wildlife treasures. “This is a moment of immense pride for Odisha. The black tiger symbolizes the rich biodiversity of Similipal and the importance of conservation,” Majhi stated.

A Global Spotlight on Similipal
The cover image has sparked widespread interest among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Melanistic tigers, known for their dark stripes and deep coloration, are extremely rare and have only been documented in Similipal. Their appearance is attributed to a genetic mutation, making them a subject of scientific curiosity and ecological significance.

Similipal, one of India’s 51 tiger reserves, is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The black tiger’s global debut on National Geographic’s cover is expected to boost eco-tourism and raise awareness about the need to protect endangered species and their habitats.

Photographer’s Tribute to Odisha’s Wilderness
Prasenjeet Yadav, known for blending science and storytelling through photography, spent years documenting the elusive tiger. His work not only highlights the beauty of Odisha’s forests but also underscores the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems.

The Odisha government has reiterated its commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with Similipal now gaining renewed attention on the global map.