Tuhina Sahoo
In a bid to enhance the genetic diversity of the tiger population at Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district, at least two Royal Bengal tigresses are set to be introduced to the reserve.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has approved this initiative following a proposal from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), submitted three months ago. The operation is expected to commence once a Central technical team issues the necessary orders, according to sources from the Forest Department.
Currently, the population of Royal Bengal tigers in the Similipal Tiger Reserve stands at 39, with around 50 percent of them exhibiting melanism, a genetic condition resulting in darker pigmentation. The introduction of the two new tigresses aims to not only boost the tiger numbers in the reserve but also to introduce new genetic traits, thereby enriching the existing gene pool.
Historically, the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary was home to hundreds of tigers. However, the 2004 census revealed a drastic decline, with only four Royal Bengal tigers remaining, including three females and one male black tiger. The decline was attributed to poaching and other factors. The birth of melanistic tiger cubs was first recorded after the mating of the black male tiger with the female tigers in the reserve.
The 2014 census showed a slight increase in the population, with recording of eight tigers. The 2023 census results, however, brought a surprising development, reporting 27 adult Royal Bengal tigers and eight cubs in Simlipal. A subsequent count by the state government identified 12 cubs and 27 adult tigers, totaling 39.
Notably, a significant proportion of these tigers exhibit melanism, according to Gogineni, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) and project director of STR. The prevalence of melanistic tigers has intrigued experts and prompted further investigation.
An expert team from the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore conducted an in-depth study of the melanistic tigers in Similipal. By analysing samples of feces, vomit, pug marks, and scratches, they concluded that factors such as inbreeding could be contributing to the unusual coloration. Forest officials suspect that the predominance of cubs from a single male tiger may be responsible for the genetic anomaly. The introduction of tigresses from different regions is thus seen as a potential solution to diversify the genetic makeup of the tiger population in Similipal.
Despite the optimism, some wildlife experts remain sceptical about the success of this initiative. Similar efforts were made in 2017, when tigers were brought to the Satkosia Tiger Reserve from other states. The plan, however, faced setbacks, including the death of tiger Mahavir, brought from Kanha Tiger Reserve, and the problematic behavior of tigress Sundari, who had to be returned to Madhya Pradesh after becoming a threat to nearby villages.
Environmentalist Bhanumitra Acharya and other experts have voiced concerns about the impact of introducing new tigresses on the existing tiger population and overall wildlife in STR. Nevertheless, the Forest department is hopeful that the new additions will successfully enhance the genetic diversity and vitality of the tiger population in Similipal.
