BARIPADA, (Economy India): A rare melanistic tigress was found dead in Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, an official said on Saturday.
The carcass of the five-year-old tigress was discovered near the Deo River in Upper Barhakamuda, located in a core area of the Similipal hills. The area is situated in a high-altitude valley within the national park.
According to Similipal Tiger Reserve field director Prakash Chand Gogineni, forest officials received information about the tigress’s death on the evening of August 6. A team immediately reached the location and recovered the carcass.
Officials said the carcass was fresh when it was found and there were no visible external injury marks on the animal. The exact cause of death is yet to be established.
Melanistic tigers are particularly rare and are known for their distinctive dark coat caused by an increased amount of black pigmentation. Similipal is globally known for its population of melanistic tigers, making the death of the tigress significant for wildlife conservation efforts.
Forest authorities are expected to conduct further examination to determine the cause of death and assess whether any other factors were involved.
(Economy India)
