Over 2 lakh trees to be planted to protect rare black tigers in Odisha
‘Trees for Black Tigers’ initiative expands habitat, reduces human-wildlife conflict
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, over two lakh trees will be planted this year to enhance the habitat of the rare black tigers in Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). Launched by the social enterprise Grow-Trees.com, the ‘Trees for Black Tigers’ initiative aims to expand tiger corridors, promote genetic diversity, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Observed annually on February 22, National Wildlife Day serves as a reminder of the pressing need to protect wildlife and biodiversity. In Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve, the challenge is particularly complex due to the presence of black or melanistic tigers—a genetic rarity found nowhere else in the world. The distinct black stripes of these tigers result from pseudo-melanism, a condition linked to inbreeding within a small, isolated population.
Pradip Shah, co-founder of Grow-Trees.com, explained the significance of the initiative: “The black tigers in Similipal have attracted global attention due to their unique appearance, which is linked to a recessive gene that becomes more prevalent when tigers breed within a confined population. Our aim is to repair habitat fragmentation, enhance genetic diversity, and create a safer environment for these tigers to thrive.”
Since its launch in 2023, the ‘Trees for Black Tigers’ initiative has already planted over 185,560 trees in and around Similipal National Park. This year, an additional two lakh trees will be added, including climate-resilient species such as Teak (Tectona grandis), acacia, and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). These species not only provide food and cover for wildlife but also support local communities by generating employment and reducing dependency on forest resources.
Shah highlighted the broader ecological benefits, stating, “By increasing forest cover, the project aids carbon sequestration, groundwater recharge, and enhances the health of the fragile ecosystem. It also supports the long-term conservation of black tigers, whose survival is critical for maintaining the ecological balance of Similipal.”
