Field day for melanistic tiger cub at Odisha’s Similipal

Bhubaneswar: A melanistic tiger cub was caught on camera while hunting at Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district recently.

The melanistic tiger cub hunted a deer fawn at the STR. The incident was captured in camera trap installed at Similipal.

“Melanistic tiger cub is learning to hunt in Similipal. Can you guess the prey?” wrote Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda while sharing an image of the tiger cub along with its kill.

Melanistic tiger cub is learning to hunt in Simlipal.
Can you guess the prey?? pic.twitter.com/4rroGn9s2u

— Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) May 31, 2024

The STR is famous for its melanistic or black tiger population.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Melanistic tigers have been recorded only in Similipal. As per the 2022 cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation, altogether 16 tigers were recorded in Similipal, out of which 10 were melanistic, said the Ministry last year.

Some days ago, the Forest department had revealed that Odisha is home to 30 adult tigers and eight cubs.

The department made this revelation after conducting the The All Odisha Tiger Estimation 2023-24.

According to the census, Similipal Tiger Reserve has 27 adult tigers (14 females and 13 males) and eight cubs.

One adult male tiger each was sighted in the Hirakud Wildlife Division, Paralakhemundi Territorial Forest Division and Greater Similipal Tiger Landscape, said the census report.