Bhubaneswar: Deemed to be a first-of-its-kind in the world, the Central Zoo Authority gave nod to melanistic tiger safari at Similipal.
Reportedly, the melanistic tiger safari will come up on 100 acres of land at Manjiapada in Baripada. The melanistic tiger at Nandankanan Zoological Park will be sent to the safari, informs PCCF Susanta Nanda.
According to Susanta Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), the site is about 15 km from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) matching the same landscape.
The STR is the only home for melanistic tigers in wild in the world. As per the last All India Tiger Estimation Report published by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2018, melanistic tigers have been found in wild only in the Similipal Tiger Reserve.
Moreover, the site being located adjoining the National Highway and near to Baripada town is expected to receive impressive footfall of visitors. Further, it would be an added attraction for visitors coming to the Similipal Tiger Reserve.
