The Odisha government has decided to establish a melanistic tiger safari – the first of its kind in the World – near Baripada in the State’s Mayurbhanj district, an official said on Wednesday.

The proposal submitted in this regard to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) by the state government has been accorded “in-principle” approval by the Technical Committee of NTCA. A committee to be constituted by NTCA shall visit the site for feasibility study before giving final nod by the Authority. Other statutory clearance including CZA approval, shall follow, infirmed the official.

A 200 Ha land adjoining National Highway-18 has been identified for this purpose. Of this, about 100 Ha will be display area and the balance area shall be utilised for creation of veterinary care facilities including rescue center, staff infrastructure and visitors amenities, they informed.

The site is about 15 km from Similipal Tiger Reserve matching the same landscape.

It’s pertinent to note here that Similipal Tiger Reserve is the only home for melanistic tigers in the wild in the world. As per the last All India Tiger Estimation Report published by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2018, melanistic tigers have been found in the wild only in Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Surplus tigers from Nandankanan Zoo and rescued/orphaned tigers, who are not fit for wild but fit for display, shall be housed in the safari in an open enclosure.

The safari is set to elevate the wildlife tourism sector in Odisha to new heights. This pioneering attraction shall highlight the state’s commitment to preservation and showcasing its unique biodiversity. This initiative will allow conservationists, researchers and enthusiasts and the general public to witness the rare beauty of these majestic creatures up close, while raising awareness about their conservation needs.

The site being located adjoining 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 Similipal Tiger Reserve.