Melanistic tigers have been recorded only in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha. As per the 2022 cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation, 16 individuals were recorded at Similipal Tiger Reserve, out of which 10 were melanistic.
A Standard Operating Procedure has been issued by the NTCA for active management towards rehabilitation of tigers from source areas at the landscape level. Based on genetic composition, the Similipal Tiger Reserve has been identified as a distinct genetic cluster for conservation.
Rare Melanistic Tigers Thrive in Similipal Tiger Reserve Odisha
Funding assistance is provided under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH) to the Similipal Tiger Reserve for conservation of tigers, raising awareness on tiger & other wildlife conservation, habitat management, protection, eco-development, human resource and infrastructure development, voluntary village relocation, as per sanctioned Annual Plan of Operation of the Tiger Reserve which emanates from a statutory Tiger Conservation Plan.
The details of funds released during last five years to the Similipal Tiger Reserve is as under:-
(Rs. In lakhs)
| Sl. No. | Tiger Reserve(State) | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 |
| 1. | Similipal(Odisha) | 650.88 | 660.53 | 539.39 | 766.06 | 659.82 |
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
