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21 June 2026

Conservation efforts at Similipal Tiger Reserve

The topic involves specific conservation strategies for a protected area and the role of statutory bodies like the NTCA and WII, which are directly relevant to environmental governance and biodiversity conservation in the UPSC syllabus.

1 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha has faced a significant risk of genetic collapse due to inbreeding and isolation.
  • Pseudo-melanistic tigers, or 'black tigers', possess a genetic mutation causing stripes to widen and merge, resulting in a dark coat.
  • The prevalence of pseudo-melanism in Similipal's tiger population has risen from 20% in 2014 to 59.37% in 2024.
  • Small, isolated populations exhibit low genetic variation, increasing vulnerability to diseases and extinction risk.
  • In 2024, an inter-State translocation program was initiated, moving tigers from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal to introduce genetic diversity.
  • The translocation of the tigress 'Zeenat' resulted in the birth of four cubs, marking a milestone in the effort to diversify the gene pool.
  • Previous translocation attempts, such as the 2018 effort in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, faced challenges including poaching and local resistance.
  • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) are key bodies overseeing tiger estimation and reintroduction programs in India.

Questions

  1. Discuss the ecological significance of genetic diversity in the long-term survival of isolated tiger populations in India. How does inbreeding depression impact the viability of such populations? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the role of inter-State tiger translocation as a conservation strategy in India. Analyze the challenges associated with habitat connectivity and the necessity of scientific interventions like genetic management in protected areas. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. What is the primary cause of the 'pseudo-melanistic' coat pattern observed in the tigers of Similipal Tiger Reserve?

  2. Which organization is primarily responsible for spearheading tiger estimation and reintroduction programs in India?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-21/conservation-efforts-at-similipal-tiger-reserve