Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has made a significant move to address concerns regarding the genetic diversity of big cats in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) by seeking permission from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to introduce tigresses from other landscapes. This initiative comes in response to the rise in the population of melanistic tigers, which now account for 40 percent of Royal Bengal Tigers in Similipal.
The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-24 report, released on Monday, highlighted that out of the 24 tigers camera-trapped in Similipal, 13 are melanistic. Remarkably, these 13 represent the sole population of melanistic tigers in both the state and the world.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Susanta Nanda, explained, “The population of melanistic tigers in Similipal has increased due to inbreeding. Though not an immediate threat to the big cats, we aim to enhance the genetic diversity of this isolated tiger population. We have reached out to the NTCA, seeking permission to introduce female tigers from other landscapes.”
In addition to genetic conservation efforts, the government is focusing on safeguarding the greater Similipal corridor, encompassing Similipal, Hadagarh, and Kuldiha, frequented by big cats. However, there are currently no plans to establish a new tiger reserve in the state, despite NTCA approval for the Sunabeda tiger reserve. Evaluations are ongoing to assess potential impacts on rehabilitation measures and development projects should the proposed habitat be notified.
Efforts are also underway to revive the big cat population in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, with the Forest department prioritizing the creation of meadows and inviolate space within the reserve.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) clarified that the AOTE 2023-24 report does not dispute the findings of the All India Tiger Estimate (AITE) 2022, as these were conducted in different years. Going forward, tiger population assessments will be conducted annually in the state, with continuous camera trapping in Similipal for effective monitoring and surveillance. Additionally, the state plans to conduct an elephant census in May this year.
