Similipal is the only place where melanistic (black stripe) tigers are found in the wild. The safari is expected to boost tourism as tourists will now get to see the rare big cat .
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik wrote on X, “Glad to announce that #Odisha is setting up an exclusive Melanistic Tiger Safari near Similipal Tiger Reserve in #Mayurbhanj. Tourists and visitors can now have a glimpse of the rare and majestic species found only in Odisha”.
Sources in the forest department’s wildlife wing said out of 200 hectares earmarked for the purpose at a site, 100 hectares will be set aside for visitor amenities, rescue centre, staff infrastructure and veterinary care. The place, 15 km from Similipal, almost resembles the STR landscape.
Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Susanta Nanda, said surplus tigers from Nandankanan zoo and rescued and orphaned melanistic tigers, which are not fit for wild but fit to be kept at the exhibit safari will be housed in the area. “The area will have 16-ft high double-layered iron mesh around it. The layout and design has been sent to NTCA for approval after which construction will start,” he said.
The wildlife wing said the study of the animals will help researchers find out more about conservation needs.