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:
- Mahanadian coastal region of the Oriental realm
- 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.
