Odisha's Rare Pseudo-melanistic Tiger 'Basu' is Healthy, IFS Officer Refutes Claims of Snake Bite

We often encounter images and videos showcasing the exceptionally rare pseudo-melanistic tigers from Nandankanan National Park, recognized as the first zoo globally to successfully breed melanistic tigers. These extraordinary tigers, distinguished by a genetic rarity where their black stripes are more pronounced than those of the Royal Bengal Tiger, are exclusive to Odisha. Commonly dubbed as ‘black tigers’ due to their dense and dark stripe patterns, these captivating creatures frequently grace the social media page of IFS officer Susanta Nanda, who consistently entertains the public with mesmerising photos and intriguing insights.

However, a recent update from the Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer took a less fanciful turn as it aimed to clarify reports about one of the melanistic tigers, Basu, allegedly being bitten by a snake. Mr. Nanda conveyed on his official ‘X’ handle, “Our dear Basu, a pseudo melanistic tiger at Nandankanan Biological Park is hale & hearty. Many friends were enquiring alarmed at a false report in media that it was bitten by a snake. Please voice the truth of the voiceless.”

Accompanying this statement was a video depicting the black tiger freely roaming in the jungle.

Here’s the Post:

This revelation came a few days after Mr. Nanda shared a brief clip capturing a family of pseudo-melanistic tigers spotted in the forests of Odisha. Mr. Nanda expressed, “Nature never fails to surprise us. This is one of the rarest of the rare. A complete pseudo-melanistic tiger family from the forests of Odisha,” while sharing a video on ‘X.’ The footage, captured through a camera trap, showed the tiger family navigating their natural habitat.

Delving into the archives, Mr. Nanda, in a subsequent post, unearthed the fascinating history of the pseudo-melanistic tigers. The first documented instance of these now-renowned tigers in Similipal dates back to 1993. On 21st July of that year, Salku, a young resident of Podagad village, took down a ‘black’ tigress with arrows in an act of self-defense. The official discovery of these rare tigers within STR occurred in 2007, marking the beginning of their documented presence. Over time, additional instances have been recorded, attributing their origin to a rare genetic mutation.

Also Read: ‘Rare’ Golden Tiger Takes A Stroll In Assam’s Kaziranga National Park

Thus, thriving within a small and exclusive population, these extraordinary creatures continue to fascinate with their unique history.