Black Tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve | 27 Dec 2023

The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha that there are 10 black tigers (melanistic tigers) in India, all of which are exclusively found in Odisha's Similipal tiger reserve.

• Black Tigers are not a distinct species but a rare colour variant of Bengal Tiger. The coat colour and patterning of black tigers are due to a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene. This mutation is called pseudo-melanism.
• Similipal Tiger Reserve was designated in 1956, part of Project Tiger since 1973, and declared a biosphere reserve in 1994.
  • It is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves and the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.
  • Similipal is rich in wildlife, housing tigers, elephants, different bird and amphibian species.
  • Two tribes, Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias, inhabit Similipal and engage in traditional agricultural activities.

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