Baripada, August 10: The Odisha Forest Department has intensified preparations to translocate two tigers from central India to Similipal Tiger Reserve following the death of a five-year-old melanistic tigress, raising concerns over the reserve’s tiger population and genetic diversity.

The department has sought approval to bring one male and one female tiger from central Indian tiger reserves. If the proposal receives the necessary clearances, the two tigers are expected to be translocated to Similipal within the next one to two months.

The move is aimed at addressing concerns arising from inbreeding and reducing the proportion of melanistic tigers in the Similipal population. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has already granted permission for tiger translocation to both Similipal and Satkosia, while the state government’s final green signal is awaited.

A special team from Odisha is expected to travel to the central Indian landscape shortly to identify suitable tigers for translocation. Potential source reserves include Tadoba-Andhari in Maharashtra and Kanha and Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh. The selection will focus on animals that are genetically suitable and capable of adapting to Odisha’s habitat and climatic conditions.

Similipal has witnessed an increase in its melanistic tiger population over the years, with inbreeding considered a key concern. To improve genetic diversity, the Forest Department is now looking to introduce unrelated animals from other tiger populations.

In late 2024, two tigresses, Zeenat and Yamuna, were translocated from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal. Zeenat has since given birth to four cubs, which are currently in the reserve.

The latest translocation plan is expected to strengthen Similipal’s tiger gene pool and support long-term conservation efforts while maintaining the unique characteristics of its tiger population.