Poachers have killed one of the rarest subspecies of tigers, the Melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger, in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha. This is a time when increasing threats are challenging wildlife conservation in the region. Wildlife authorities have confirmed the killing of the tiger and arrested four individuals involved in the crime. STR is a habitat that is home to an estimated 20 of these unique black-striped cats
Poachers Arrested and Seized Tiger Parts
The claws of the tiger and the murder weapon were recovered and formed crucial evidence. The tiger was a sub-adult melanistic male. It had genetic mutations that defined its black stripes, which made it unique and of immense value. Melanistic tigers were first reported in 1975 but were confirmed to exist in 1993 after a similar killing. Poachers have recorded this as the second case of killing such a rare creature.
According to the Times of India, the Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, Prakash Gogineni, said the arrest was the result of intelligence. The poachers arrested were carrying different parts of a big cat. The arrested individuals are Ajambar Naik alias Fatu (40), Pitambar Naik alias Daktar (45), Rama Naik alias Thalu (58), and Bairam Murmu alias Dudeibaba (30). All of them are from the nearby villages surrounding the reserve.
Aims to enhance genetic diversity at Similipal
The poachers claimed that they were hunting other prey animals and shot the tiger because he was mistaken for a male. The officials are going to grill more of the suspects and the experts of WII will cross-check the age and sex of the tiger. The recent killing of a melanistic tiger raises concerns about the reserve’s conservation efforts. Two female melanistic tigers were relocated to Similipal from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve to improve genetic diversity. This move aimed to enhance the genetic diversity of the tiger population in Similipal.
Preliminary investigation revealed that poachers shot the tiger with a single shot, likely from a country-made firearm. Wildlife officers believe the poachers ventured deep into the reserve’s fringe areas to hunt other animals. It was during this hunt that they encountered and killed the melanistic tiger. The skin of the tiger seemed rather crude, indicating that the killers were not specifically there looking for the melanistic tiger.
The poaching in Similipal Tiger Reserve has been rising increasingly. The wild wing says that in the past 10 months, 26 wildlife offenses came up with the arrest of 89 poachers and possession of 86 country-made guns. This incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced protection and conservation measures in one of India’s most vital tiger habitats. It underscores the importance of safeguarding the reserve to prevent further poaching incidents.
