TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: The Odisha government has proposed the introduction of female tigers to the Similipal Tiger Reserve, Asia’s second-largest biosphere and the only habitat for melanistic royal Bengal tigers in India.
EXPLANATION:
- This move aims to bolster the gene pool and address concerns about inbreeding among the unique lineage of pseudo-melanistic tigers in Similipal.
- The request to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reflects a strategic conservation effort to maintain the ecological balance and long-term viability of the tiger population.
Uniqueness of Similipal’s Tigers
- The Similipal Tiger Reserve sprawls across 2,750 square km in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.
- It is Asia’s second largest biosphere, and the country’s only wild habitat for melanistic royal Bengal tigers.
- The tigers of Similipal belong to a unique lineage with higher-than-normal levels of melanin, which gives them black-and-yellow-interspersed stripes on their coats.
- These tigers are not entirely black and are therefore more accurately described as pseudo-melanistic.
- Genetic analyses of other tiger populations in India and computer simulations suggest that the Similipal black tigers may have arisen from a very small founding population of tigers and are inbred.
- These cats live isolated from other tigers, because of which they breed among themselves.
- The Odisha Tiger Estimation conducted recently found that out of the total 24 adult tigers in Similipal, 13 are pseudo-melanistic.
- The recent Odisha Tiger Estimation revealed a total of 24 adult tigers in Similipal, with 13 being pseudo-melanistic. Of these, there are 10 males and 14 females, indicating a sex ratio imbalance.
- Isolation of Similipal’s tigers has resulted in breeding within the same population, raising concerns about genetic diversity and the overall health of the tiger community.
Rationale for Bringing Female Tigers from Central India
- The Odisha government proposes bringing in female tigers from the Central Indian landscape, encompassing states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
- The similarity in landscapes and climate between Similipal and Central India enhances the likelihood of successful adaptation.
- Some tiger reserves in Central India face challenges of overcrowding, leading to territorial disputes and insufficient prey.
- Relocating tigers from such areas not only addresses the overcrowding issue but also contributes to conservation efforts in Similipal.
Conservation Intervention Process
- NTCA Approval Process: The National Tiger Conservation Authority’s approval is essential for any tiger relocation in India. The Odisha government’s proposal triggers a technical committee visit to Similipal to assess factors such as landscape, climate, prey availability, and other ecological aspects before granting approval.
- Ensuring Genetic Diversity: The relocation strategy emphasizes introducing tigers from geographically proximate regions with high heterozygosity, ensuring increased genetic diversity in Similipal.
Learnings from Previous Attempts
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve Attempt: In 2018, the Odisha government attempted tiger relocation in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, which had no resident tigers. The introduction of a male and female tiger faced challenges, with the male falling victim to poachers and the female being sent back to its original habitat after alleged human fatalities.
Similipal Tiger Reserve:
- Similipal, which derives its name from ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree, is a national park and a Tiger Reserve situated in the northern part of Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district.
- The tiger reserve is spread over 2750 sq km and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.
- The park is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above mean sea level).
- At least twelve rivers cut across the plain area, all of which drain into the Bay of Bengal.
- The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi and Deo.
SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/similipals-black-tigers-female-big-cats-9194056/
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