Context:
The Odisha government transferred a tigress named Jamuna, taken from Maharashtra’s Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, to the Odisha-based Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). This strategic move aims to boost genetic diversity at Similipal, addressing concerns of inbreeding within the tiger population there due to its limited size.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Tiger Translocation Initiative Key Elements
- About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
- Key Facts About Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Tiger Translocation Initiative Key Elements
Translocation of Tigress Sundari
- In 2018, Sundari, a tigress, was translocated to the Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha under a project sanctioned by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Pseudo-melanistic Tigers
- The Odisha Tiger Estimation for 2024 revealed a population of 24 adult tigers in Similipal. The population consisted of a good number of pseudo-melanistic, or black tigers.
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) is recognized as the only wild habitat of these unique black tigers.
- An estimate of 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers out of 24 adult tigers indicate severe levels of inbreeding as well as the strong demand for genetic stratification in the future
Future Grooming Work
- Intelligent Safari Concept: Setting up the first-ever melanistic tiger safari on the global map is on the horizon at Similipal to create a future opportunity by increasing tourism besides disseminating information about tigers being groomed for conservation work.
- Conservation Objectives: They are one of the strategies to enhance genetic diversity while maintaining tiger populations in this region.
About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
- Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is a protected area located in the Mayurbhanj District in the Northernmost part of Odisha.
- It was declared a ‘Tiger Reserve’ in 1956 and is included in the national conservation programme ‘Project Tiger’ since 1973.
Location and Terrain:
- STR is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, with the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above mean sea level).
- The terrain is mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
Vegetation:
- A mix of different forest types and habitats dominate, with Northern tropical moist deciduous dominating some semi-evergreen patches.
- Sal is the dominant tree species here.
- There are a staggering 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, found in STR.
Fauna:
- STR is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python, Sambar, and Pangolin.
- The region around STR is home to a variety of tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Other Facts:
- The STR, along with a ‘transitional area’ of 2250 sq. km, has been included as a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
- It is the only landscape in the world that is home to melanistic tigers.
Key Facts About Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
- It is located in Maharashtra and is the oldest and largest national park in the state.
- Tadoba/Taru is the local deity worshipped by the tribal people in the region.
- Andhari is derived from the Andhari river which flows through the reserve.
- It consists of two principal lakes, Tadoba Lake and Kolsa Lake, and the Tadoba River.
Biodiversity:
- Flora: Teak, semal, tendu, beheda, karaya gum, mahua madhuca, arjun, bamboo etc.
Fauna: Tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, nilgai, dholes, small Indian civets, sambars, spotted deer, barking deer, and chital.
-Source: Hindustan Times
