Context:
A rare melanistic tiger was found dead in the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
- What are Melanistic animals?
- Other Major Protected Areas in Odisha
About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
- Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is a protected area located in the Mayurbhanj District in the Northernmost part of Odisha.
- It was declared a ‘Tiger Reserve’ in 1956 and is included in the national conservation programme ‘Project Tiger’ since 1973.
Location and Terrain:
- STR is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, with the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above mean sea level).
- The terrain is mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
Vegetation:
- A mix of different forest types and habitats dominate, with Northern tropical moist deciduous dominating some semi-evergreen patches.
- Sal is the dominant tree species here.
- There are a staggering 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, found in STR.
Fauna:
- STR is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python, Sambar, and Pangolin.
- The region around STR is home to a variety of tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Other Facts:
- The STR, along with a ‘transitional area’ of 2250 sq. km, has been included as a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
- It is the only landscape in the world that is home to melanistic tigers.
What are Melanistic animals?
- Melanism is a genetic trait that causes an animal to have an unusually high amount of dark pigmentation, resulting in a black or very dark coloration of their fur, skin, or feathers.
- Melanistic animals can occur in a variety of species, including big cats, such as tigers and leopards, as well as birds, reptiles, and rodents.
- In some cases, melanistic animals may have a survival advantage in certain environments, such as in heavily forested areas where their dark coloration can provide better camouflage.
Other Major Protected Areas in Odisha
- Bhitarkanika National Park
- Badrama WLS
- Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS
- Hadgarh WLS
- Baisipalli WLS
- Kotagarh WLS
- Nandankanan WLS
- Lakhari Valley WLS
- Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS
-Source: The Hindu
