WII Studies Melanistic Tigers in Similipal to Combat Inbreeding Risks
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has stepped in to study the genetics of melanistic tigers in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, addressing potential inbreeding risks exacerbated by tourism. These black tigers, not a separate species, are a result of a genetic mutation in Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris).
India, home to roughly three-quarters of the world's tigers, has seen its population double between 2006 and 2018 due to conservation efforts. However, in the isolated Similipal Tiger Reserve, one of India's largest, nearly half the population now sports a black coat, raising inbreeding concerns. The nearest neighboring reserve is 160 kilometers away, highlighting the need for genetic diversity introduction in small, isolated populations.
A 10-year-old male tiger, T12, born with melanism, has contributed significantly to the repopulation of black tigers in the reserve. Melanism is just one of several genetic mutations affecting animal color, others including albinism, leucism, and xanthochromism. In Similipal, one in three tigers is black, with the mutation traced to a single gene called Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q or taqpep. This autosomal recessive trait suggests low population diversity and potential inbreeding due to habitat fragmentation.
Black tigers, also known as pseudomelanistic tigers, have been reported in Similipal since the 1970s and are believed unique to this habitat. A controversial safari specifically for melanistic tigers, announced by the Odisha Government, has sparked concerns about encouraging inbreeding for tourism.
The WII's study aims to understand and mitigate the inbreeding risks faced by the melanistic tigers in Similipal. Their findings could inform conservation strategies not just for Similipal, but for other small, isolated populations of endangered species worldwide.
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