Similipal’s Black Tigers Reach 81%—Experts Warn of Inbreeding Risks

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Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha now houses 10 black tigers out of a total population of 16, with their unique dark appearance becoming a genetic concern for wildlife experts.

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These rare cats aren't truly black but display "pseudo-melanism" - a genetic mutation causing their stripes to widen and merge, creating a darker appearance.

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Scientists from Bangalore's National Centre for Biological Sciences traced the cause to a mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q gene, which alters stripe patterns.

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First officially documented in 1993, what locals once described as folklore has grown into a significant population, with 13 black tigers counted in the 2023-24 report.

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The high concentration of this rare trait points to inbreeding within Similipal's isolated tiger population, creating what scientists call a "genetic bottleneck."

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Conservation plans include introducing female tigers from other regions to improve genetic diversity, though experts warn of challenges based on previous relocation attempts.

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Odisha government received approval to establish the world's first melanistic tiger safari near Similipal, initially featuring three melanistic tigers from Nandankanan zoo.

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The 200-hectare safari facility will include 100 hectares for display and the remainder for veterinary care, rescue centers, and visitor amenities

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Wildlife experts stress that balancing preservation of these unique tigers while ensuring genetic health presents a complex conservation challenge in fragmented habitats.

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