Total 10 ‘black tigers’ found in India, all in Odisha’s Similipal: Govt

India has a total of 10 black tigers, exclusively found in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve. The reserve is identified as a distinct conservation cluster due to its genetic composition. A recent study revealed that the dark coat coloration in these tigers is caused by a single mutation in the Taqpep gene. The tigers in Similipal form an isolated population with limited gene flow, making them highly susceptible to extinction. Conservation efforts are crucial for their survival.India has a total of 10 black tigers, exclusively found in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve. The reserve is identified as a distinct conservation cluster due to its genetic composition. A recent study revealed that the dark coat coloration in these tigers is caused by a single mutation in the Taqpep gene. The tigers in Similipal form an isolated population with limited gene flow, making them highly susceptible to extinction. Conservation efforts are crucial for their survival.