India to start world’s first black tiger safari in Odisha

The Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has announced the establishment of a melanistic tiger safari – a groundbreaking initiative that will be the first of its kind globally. The safari is set to be located near Baripada in the Mayurbhanj district of the state, as per the official announcement made by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on X, previously known as Twitter. Covering an expansive 200-hectare area adjacent to National Highway 18, the chosen site is approximately 15 km away from the Similipal Tiger Reserve, featuring a similar landscape. Notably, Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) stands as the sole habitat for melanistic tigers worldwide, as per the last All India Tiger Estimation Report released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2018. This move aims to provide tourists and visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the rare and majestic species found exclusively in Odisha. Around a couple of years ago, researchers, including scientists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bengaluru, identified a single gene mutation responsible for black stripes and a distinctive pattern in these tigers. The upcoming melanistic tiger safari is expected to house surplus tigers from Nandankanan Zoo and rescued/orphaned tigers unfit for the wild but suitable for display. The Forest Department emphasised that the safari is poised to elevate wildlife tourism in Odisha, anticipating a significant influx of visitors and establishing itself as an added attraction for those exploring the Similipal Tiger Reserve.