Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha is in news for a rare sighting of a melanistic tiger. Distinguished by its dark skin and hair, the tiger was captured in a camera-trap, a device installed at various places in the national park to monitor wildlife populations and interactions. A video of the unique animal was shared on the microblogging site Twitter after which it went viral.
Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Ramesh Pandey shared the video on the microblogging site in which one can see the tiger trying to climb a tree. In the clip one can clearly see some part of his body is dark in colour while the remaining part is almost golden. After loitering around the tree for a few moments, the tiger calmly leaves the place.
"Beautiful camera trap video of a melanistic tiger in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, the only place where we see blackish tigers because of genetic mutations in the population," read the caption of the post shared by Pandey.
Since being shared the video has amassed close to 67,000 views, 1,694 likes and several comments.
"Thanks for the share and information. Hearing about them first time. Shall try and visit some time," commented one user on seeing the video.
While another wrote, "Please don't post this kind of picture. It will only help poachers. Please."
"Sir, they have traced some similar in Sundarban also, is that true?," questioned a third.