Melanistic Tigers of Odisha: The Rare Black Tigers of Similipal Reserve
Every once in a while, nature surprises you with a spectacle that is so rare that it feels almost mythical.
One such spectacle was found in the Similipal Tiger Reserve of Odisha.
This incredible wonder of nature was the Melanistic tiger, often referred to as the black tiger. This tiger has a strikingly dark coat with overlapping stripes, which is unlike any other big cat found in the wild.
And the thing that makes you wonder even more is that Similipal is the only place in the world where these unique Royal Bengal Tigers roam free. This makes them a symbol of India’s biodiversity and conservation heritage
What is a Melanistic Tiger?
Well, as a matter of fact, Melanistic tigers are not fully black tigers, but rather pseudo-melanistic (which means not truly black). It is a rare genetic mutation in the Taqpep gene that causes their stripes to broaden and overlap. This gives us the impression of it having a shadowy or nearly black coat. This makes them appear to be quite different from the orange and black contrast of the regular Bengal tigers. Before the intervention of science, these tigers, just like their dark coat, were covered in mystery, making them nature’s own camouflage masterpiece.
History of Black Tiger Sightings in Odisha
The first reported sighting of a black tiger was in 1975. But it wasn’t confirmed that such a beast existed until the dead remains of a melanistic tiger were found in 1993. But until this time, no photographs of the dark beast were captured. But with the enhancement in forest surveillance technology, the first camera-trap photograph of a melanistic tiger was captured in the year 2007. It was after this that their existence was cemented in the scientific records. And 2020s onward, the frequency of sightings through camera traps and safaris has increased drastically, which has turned Similipal into a wildlife tourism hotspot.
Population and Distribution in Similipal
Similipal currently shelters around 35 Royal Bengal Tigers, with an estimated 13 melanistic individuals. According to the 2022 census reported 16 tigers were reported, 10 of which were melanistic. After that, in 2025, a melanistic cub was spotted alongside a regular sibling. This was a delightful sight for the visitors. And recently, three melanistic cubs were born to tigress T-20. This ensures us the continuation of this rare lineage and that this trait is nowhere to go.
Why Only in Similipal, Odisha?
The reason these tigers are exclusive to Odisha lies in genetic isolation. The fact of the matter is that Similipal’s population is cut off from other reserves, which has reduced the gene flow. And over time, inbreeding and genetic drift amplified the melanistic trait. Because of this, Similipal is one of the most genetically unique tiger habitats in the world.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
The forest department has started to use AI-enabled camera traps and patrols to monitor the movements of the tigers. This, along with strong enforcement, has helped them around nine poachers. They have also proposed the world’s first and only Melanistic Tiger Safari. They plan on blending eco-tourism and conservation, which in the end will support the tigers themselves
Despite this, the authorities are consistently faced with problems. Managing human–wildlife conflict near villages is one of the most important ones. They also have to continually prevent the poaching of tigers for the demand for tiger parts. In the end, each of these problems ends up disturbing the balance of the ecosystem the tigers live in. That is the reason why they have to promote eco-tourism to restore the ecological balance
Human–Wildlife Encounters
In April 2025, villagers in Mayurbhanj spotted a melanistic tiger near homes. Over 25 livestock were lost, which sparked concern among the villagers. But if you ask the experts, they say that such movement tells us that it is a healthy and expanding tiger population. This is the reason why Community awareness and coexistence programs have become crucial to reduce such conflicts.
Global Significance of Black Tigers
The melanistic tiger is more than just rare—it is an evolutionary marvel. It has some of the most unique genetic structure that attracts researchers from all over the globe. Because of this Similipal has gained recognition as an international conservation hub. The same is for photographers since just spotting one is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, like the thrill of tiger sightings in Tadoba or Kanha—but with a rare genetic twist.
Plan Your Visit with Into The Wild
At Into The Wild, we craft bespoke luxury safaris that let you experience such wonders responsibly. While Similipal is the exclusive home of melanistic tigers, other iconic reserves like Tadoba National Park (known for frequent tiger sightings) and Kanha National Park (the Jungle Book inspiration) also offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.
For families, our guide to Family-Friendly Safaris in India helps you choose parks that balance safety, comfort, and adventure.
Conclusion
The melanistic tigers of Odisha are living marvels—rare, mysterious, and fragile. Their survival depends on conservation, responsible tourism, and community support. With continued protection, Similipal will remain the one place on Earth where the world meets the shadow-striped giants of India’s forests. At Into The Wild, we believe such encounters are more than sightings—they are chapters of your life written by the forest itself.
