Rare Black Tigress found dead in Similipal Tiger Reserve, cause being probed

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Baripada: A rare five-year-old pseudo-melanistic, or “black”, tigress has been found dead in the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

Patrolling staff discovered the carcass on August 6 near Jatiani camp in the Upper Barakamuda Range of Similipal South Division.

Regional Chief Conservator of Forests and STR Field Director Prakash Gogineni inspected the site and ordered an investigation.

The post-mortem was conducted on August 7 as per National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines. Forest officials said the carcass was fresh and there were no visible injury marks or external signs of trauma.

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Biological samples have been collected for toxicological, pathological and other laboratory tests. The exact cause of death will be known after the test reports are received.

Similipal is globally known for its rare population of pseudo-melanistic tigers, commonly called black tigers. According to recent camera-trap estimates, the reserve has around 35 adult tigers, including about 19 pseudo-melanistic individuals, besides around 16 cubs.

The death is significant as Similipal is the only known place in the world where such black tigers occur naturally in the wild. The incident has once again brought the conservation and protection of this rare tiger population into focus.

Also Read: Injured Tigress Found In Pilibhit Tiger Reserve In Uttar Pradesh, Dies During Treatment

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