Protection of Black Tiger

• Context (PIB): Black tigers have been recorded only in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha.
• A black tiger is a melanistic colour variant of the tiger.
• It is not a distinct species or geographic subspecies.

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve, National Park, Tiger Reserve

• Located in the Eastern Ghats, it is listed in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
• It lies within two biogeographical regions:
  1. Mahanadian coastal region of the Oriental realm
  2. Chhotanagpur biotic province of the Deccan peninsular zone
• Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve = Similipal Tiger Reserve + Hadgarh + Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Vegetation: Moist and dry deciduous forests and grasslands.
• Major Fauna: Bengal tigers, wild elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), chausingha.
• Major Avifauna: Hill myna and crested serpent eagle.