Kalia, the ‘Black Beauty’ of Similipal Tiger Reserve, captivates wildlife enthusiasts; watch

The legendary black tiger of Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, known as Kalia, is once again making headlines after a rare video of the majestic feline surfaced online. The video, shared by former PCCF Susanta Nanda, shows Kalia patrolling a dense section of the reserve, mesmerizing viewers with its sheer size and striking black coat.

Nanda, in his post, called the tiger a ‘black beauty’ and highlighted its extraordinary contribution to tiger conservation in the reserve. 

Kalia’s Role in Tiger Conservation

According to Nanda, Kalia has played a pivotal role in reviving the tiger population, fathering multiple litters and helping the numbers rise from a precarious six to over thirty tigers today. Wildlife experts credit Kalia as a key figure in the population rebound, with his presence ensuring genetic diversity and stability among Similipal ’s tiger population.

“Kalia-the black beauty of Simlipal . It is credited with bringing back the tiger population from brink in Simlipal TR. Population rebound milestone- this dominant male sired multiple litters, lifting the numbers from 6 to 30 plus,” Nanda tweeted.

Kalia-the black beauty of Simlipal 💕
It is credited with bringing back the tiger population from brink in Simlipal TR. Population rebound milestone- this dominant male sired multiple litters, lifting the numbers from 6 to 30 plus. pic.twitter.com/aKunu29ZOM

— Susanta Nanda IFS (Retd) (@susantananda3) November 18, 2025

The Rarity of Black Tigers

Black tigers are an extremely rare phenomenon in the wild, and Kalia’s unique appearance has drawn attention not only from conservationists but also from wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. 

While the video has sparked widespread discussion on social media, the Similipal Tiger Reserve administration has not yet commented officially on Kalia’s sighting.

Conservationists, however, emphasise that such sightings reflect the effectiveness of ongoing measures to protect tigers and their habitat, and they underscore the importance of continued vigilance to prevent poaching and human-animal conflict.

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With Kalia leading the way, the story of Similipal ’s tiger recovery is an inspiring example of how focused conservation efforts can help wildlife bounce back from the brink of extinction.