A rare melanistic tigress, aged around five years, was found dead in the South Division of Similipal Tiger Reserve under UBK Range, sparking concern among wildlife authorities.
According to officials, patrol staff discovered the carcass near Jatani camp on August 6 around 5 p.m. The Forest Department immediately alerted senior officers, including the Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, who reached the spot and initiated an investigation.
On August 7, a special team conducted the post‑mortem examination following guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Preliminary checks revealed no external injuries or visible causes of death. To establish the exact reason, experts collected biological, toxicological, and pathological samples, which have been sent to the Centre for Wildlife Health (CWH) at OUAT, Bhubaneswar for detailed analysis.
Officials confirmed that the tigress’s body was cremated under strict NTCA protocols in the presence of the Field Director and senior forest staff. RCCF and Similipal Tiger Reserve’s Regional Director Prakash Chand Jogineni stated that the final laboratory report will determine the precise cause of death.
