Melanistic tiger safari

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Following is from Sambada.

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Following is an excerpt from https://www.thestatesman.com/india/world...25907.html 

World’s first melanistic tiger safari to be established in Odisha by year-end

Odisha is set to have the world’s first melanistic tiger safari in close vicinity of Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district by year-end, an official said on Monday.

“Competent authorities have accorded clearances for the proposed tiger safari, a first of its kind in the world. Of the three mandatory seal of approval, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has accorded ‘in-principle’ approval to it,” he said.

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200 Ha areas adjoining National Highway-18 have been identified for this purpose. About 100 Ha will be display area and the balance area shall be utilized 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.

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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.