Similipal Tiger Reserve to welcome 2 new Royal Bengal Tigers from Maharashtra

In a first for Odisha, the Similipal Tiger Reserve is all set to welcome two new melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers from Maharashtra in the next few days, reports said. The translocation of tigers is aimed at increasing the tiger population at the reserve and also combating inbreeding by increasing genetic diversity.

A special team of forest officials including the Similipal Director, Assistant Director, veterinary doctors, and a rapid response team has flown to Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The two new guests will be translocated from the Tadoba National Park, the largest Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra.

Sources said the translocation process will begin after the special team identifies two Tigers to be brought to Similipal. Concerned over a sizeable number of pseudo-melanistic tigers, the Odisha government had earlier written to the National Tiger Conservation Authority to consider introducing female tigers to Similipal.

If reports are to be believed, Odisha plans to introduce five tigers, three for Debrigarh and two for Similipal, a part of the big cat relocation project. The tigers will be brought from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra for this purpose.

As per estimation, the Similipal Tiger Reserve currently is home to 28 tigers.