Similipal Tiger Reserve to receive two melanistic tigers from Maharashtra

Bhubaneswar, Oct 20: The Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha is preparing to welcome two melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers (RBTs) from Maharashtra, with the necessary arrangements already underway. Forest department officials stated that the translocation aims to boost the tiger population at Similipal, located in Mayurbhanj district, and address concerns about inbreeding by enhancing genetic diversity.

A team comprising the STR Director, Assistant Director, veterinary experts, and a rapid response unit has traveled to Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to oversee the process.

The two tigers will be selected from Tadoba, Maharashtra's largest tiger reserve, following a thorough identification process by the visiting team. Odisha had earlier requested the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to approve the introduction of female tigers to Similipal as part of its conservation strategy.

The plan includes bringing five tigers to the state—three for the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and two for Similipal—from both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

According to the latest estimates, Similipal Tiger Reserve currently houses 28 tigers.