Odisha to Set up a Melanistic Tiger Safari

January 25, 2024

GS Paper III Biodiversity & Environment

Context:

The Odisha Government is establishing a melanistic tiger safari.

The safari will be established near Baripada, the district headquarters town of Mayurbhanj.This location involves Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) too.

About Melanistic Tiger

Melanistic tigers are a rare variant of the Bengal tiger.
These tigers are also called “black tigers”.
- They have thick stripes on their body.
These black stripes are due to pseudo-melanism.

Pseudo-melanism.

It is different from melanism.
In pseudo-melism, there is a single mutation in Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep).
It is responsible for producing similar features in other cat species.

About Melanistic Tiger Safari

Benefits

Awareness GEneration: Raise awareness about melanistic tigers and attract international attention.
Development of Tourism: Increase tourism revenue and create local job opportunities.

Impact on Local Communities and Ecosystem:

Positive Impacts:
- Increased tourism revenue may improve local infrastructure, healthcare, and education facilities.
- Conservation programs could provide income through ecotourism or sustainable practices.
Negative Impacts:

- There can be disagreement between government and local people on the use of traditional resources.
- High tourist flows can cause exploitation and degradation of local resources.

Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

This tiger reserve is situated in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
It is a part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.
In 1956, It was declared a tiger reserve.
Since 2009, this protected area has become a part of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Various tribes are found near STR such as Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
The dominant tree species here is Sal.

Also Read:

News sources: The Hindu

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