Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has once again come into the spotlight among wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. A new video shared by senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda on the social media platform 'X' has gone viral, offering a rare glimpse into the unique wildlife of the region.
The video features a rare melanistic or black tiger roaming in its natural habitat within the dense forests of Similipal. IFS officer Susanta Nanda explained in his post that Similipal is an isolated tiger population with poor connectivity to other landscapes, leading to inbreeding and genetic drift, which allows rare recessive mutations in coat colors and patterns.
Scientifically, Similipal is known as the only natural habitat in the world where pseudo-melanistic tigers are found. Wildlife experts note that due to a small founder population and geographical isolation, mutation rates are relatively high here, resulting in distinct thick stripes.
The video has garnered widespread reactions on social media, with nature lovers marveling at the unique footage while conservationists debate the importance of genetic diversity and habitat connectivity.
