The Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district is set to receive two melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers from Maharashtra, as part of a translocation initiative aimed at boosting the tiger population and genetic diversity in the region. This move comes as a significant step in enhancing conservation efforts and addressing concerns of inbreeding within the tiger population at STR.

Officials from the Odisha Forest Department have confirmed that the tigers will be brought from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, the largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. A specialized team, including the STR Director, Assistant Director, veterinary doctors, and a rapid response unit, has already been dispatched to Maharashtra to oversee the selection and translocation process.

The primary objective of this initiative is to increase the tiger population and introduce genetic diversity, which is crucial for the long-term survival of the species in the reserve. Currently, STR is home to 28 tigers, and the introduction of these new tigers will help strengthen the conservation program.

In addition to the two tigers for Similipal, the Odisha government plans to bring three tigers to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, with a total of five tigers being translocated from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra under this project. The state government had previously reached out to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to consider introducing female tigers to Similipal, which is a critical part of this conservation strategy.

The translocation process will commence once the special team from Odisha identifies the two tigers in Tadoba National Park that are suitable for relocation. This effort is expected to significantly contribute to the preservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger population in Odisha and ensure the health and sustainability of the species in the Similipal region.