Odisha To Get Tigresses For Similipal To Improve Genetic Diversity; Elephant Census Likely In May

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has sought permission from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to introduce tigresses from other landscapes to improve genetic diversity of big cats in Similipal tiger reserve (STR).

The reason: Rise in the population of melanistic tigers, which now comprise 40 per cent of Royal Bengal Tigers in Similipal.

The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-24 report, which was released on Monday, revealed that 13 out of the 24 tigers camera trapped in Similipal are melanistic. These 13 are the only population of the melanistic tigers in the state as well as the world.

“The population of melanistic tigers in Similipal has increased due to inbreeding. Though it isn’t a threat for the big cats, we want to improve genetic diversity of this isolated tiger population. We have written to NTCA seeking its permission to introduce female tigers from other landscapes,” said Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Susanta Nanda.

He further said that protection measures are being drawn up to safeguard the greater Similipal corridor, comprising Similipal, Hadagarh, Kuldiha, which is frequented by the big cats.

The chief wildlife warden, however, said there is no fresh plan or proposal for creating a new tiger reserve in the state. “Though the NTCA has given approval for Sunabeda tiger reserve, the state government is assessing the required rehabilitation measures and development works that may get  affected if the proposed habitat is notified. It is already being provided a sanctuary-level protection,” he informed.

Nanda further said that efforts are also on to revive the big cat population in Satkosia tiger reserve. “The Forest department is now focused on creation of meadows and more inviolate space in the tiger reserve,” he said.

The PCCF (wildlife) also clarified that the AOTE 2023-24 does not dispute the All India Tiger Estimate (AITE) 2022, which had estimated 20 tigers, as these were carried out in different years. “The tiger count exercise will now be carried out every year in the state. Camera traps will be used in Similipal throughout the year for effective monitoring and surveillance. The elephant census in the state will also be conducted towards May this year,” he added.