Govind Tekale
Black tigers, unique to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve, have become a subject of growing concern among wildlife experts. These tigers, displaying a pseudo-melanistic appearance with broadened and merged stripes, now make up nearly half of the reserve’s tiger population.
As per 2023 data, out of 16 tigers in Similipal, 10 exhibit this rare genetic trait. This concentration of the melanistic trait has prompted scientists to investigate the phenomenon more closely.
The Genetic Mystery Solved
Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore identified the cause: a mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene. This genetic alteration causes the tigers’ stripes to widen and merge, creating their distinctive dark appearance.
“It is amazing that we could find the genetic basis for such a striking pattern phenotype in wild tigers, and even more interesting that this genetic variant is at high frequencies in Similipal. Our analyses support a founding event and a demographically small and genetically isolated population. More generally, maintaining connectivity of tiger populations with ongoing human activities will be an important conservation challenge,” says Uma Ramakrishnan, who has studied tiger population genetics for over a decade.
Unlike true melanism, which results in an entirely black coat, this pseudo-melanism creates the illusion of a darker tiger due to expanded striping patterns.
Historical Documentation
The first official record of a black tiger in Similipal dates back to 1993, though some reports suggest they were first formally documented in 2007. What was once considered local folklore has been proven real through both photographic evidence and genetic studies.
The population of these rare tigers has grown steadily, with the All Odisha Tiger Estimation 2023-24 report now counting 13 black tigers in the reserve.
Wildlife experts have raised alarms about the rapid increase in melanistic tigers, seeing it as evidence of inbreeding within this isolated population.
“Melanism is not necessarily a result of inbreeding, but the concentration of melanism within the Similipal population indicates inbreeding,” explains wildlife conservationist Aditya Chandra Panda. “The immediate solution is introduction of tigers from other unrelated populations to improve genetic diversity.”
The isolated nature of Similipal’s tiger habitat, with limited migration corridors to other tiger populations, has created what scientists call a “genetic bottleneck.” This isolation increases the expression of rare genetic traits while potentially reducing overall genetic health.
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Conservation Efforts and Challenges
The Odisha Forest Department has implemented various measures to protect the tiger population, including anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs.
Similipal Field Director Prakash Chand Godineni acknowledges the genetic concerns: “Though the rare pseudo-melanistic phenotype isn’t a threat for the big cats, the forest department wants to improve genetic diversity of this isolated tiger population. Accordingly, introduction of female tigers from other landscapes has been planned.”
The state has approached the National Tiger Conservation Authority to facilitate this genetic diversity project. However, experts caution that lessons must be learned from previous relocation attempts at Satkosia tiger reserve.
Tourism Development
In January 2024, the Odisha government announced plans to establish the world’s first melanistic tiger safari near Similipal. The 200-hectare facility, to be located along the Dhanbad-Balasore National Highway about 15 kilometers from the reserve, has received in-principle approval from the NTCA.
“About 100 hectares will be the display area of the park, and the rest will be used to build veterinary care facilities, including a rescue centre, staff infrastructure, and visitors’ amenities,” stated Susanta Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Odisha.
The safari will initially house three melanistic tigers from Nandankanan zoo, along with rescued or orphaned tigers suitable for display but not for release into the wild.
Conservation Outlook
Experts emphasize that balancing the preservation of Similipal’s unique black tigers while ensuring their genetic health presents a significant challenge. The introduction of new genetic lineages from other tiger populations, combined with functional wildlife corridors, appears to be the most promising approach for the long-term survival of these rare big cats.
As retired IFS officer and former Similipal field director Suresh Kumar Mishra notes, “Inbreeding, in the absence of adequate number of partners, apart from leading to genetic isolation and dwarfing of the population could emerge as a cause of their collapse.”
The fate of Similipal’s black tigers now hangs in the balance between genetic uniqueness and genetic health, highlighting the complex challenges of wildlife conservation in fragmented habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes tigers to appear black in Similipal?
Black tigers in Similipal have a mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene. This causes their stripes to widen and merge, creating a darker appearance called pseudo-melanism. They aren’t truly black but have broadened striping that gives a blackish impression.
How many black tigers exist in the wild?
According to 2022 data, there are approximately 10 melanistic tigers out of 16 total tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve. The most recent state government report suggests the number has increased to 13. Similipal is the only place in the world where these black tigers exist in the wild.
Are black tigers a separate species?
No, black tigers are not a separate species. They are royal Bengal tigers with a genetic mutation that affects their coat pattern. This is similar to how black panthers are leopards with melanism, just a color variant rather than a distinct species.
Why are scientists concerned about black tigers?
Scientists are concerned because the high percentage of black tigers (nearly half the population) indicates inbreeding within this isolated tiger group. Inbreeding can lead to genetic problems, reduced resistance to disease, and other health issues that threaten the tigers’ long-term survival.
When was the first black tiger discovered?
The first confirmed record of a pseudo-melanistic tiger in Similipal was documented in 1993, though some reports suggest they were first officially recorded in 2007. Local myths about black tigers existed for decades before scientific confirmation.
What is being done to protect these rare tigers?
Conservation efforts include anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs. The Odisha Forest Department plans to introduce female tigers from other regions to improve genetic diversity. Additionally, the state is developing a melanistic tiger safari to raise awareness and support conservation through tourism.
