Poacher Behind Killing of Black Tiger in Odisha’s Similipal Arrested in Gujarat

A suspected poacher responsible for the tragic killing of a rare black tiger in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve has been apprehended in Gujarat, forest officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The arrest was made on May 4, with the collaboration of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), which assisted Odisha forest authorities in tracking down the suspect. The individual is believed to be behind the brutal killing of a melanistic or black tiger that occurred earlier this year.

In January, forest officials found the skin of the black tiger within the reserve. Preliminary investigations revealed that the tiger had been shot dead by a firearm in the outskirts of the reserve, a region that lies on the fringes of the protected forest area.

The melanistic tiger, characterized by its dark, nearly black fur, is a rare and visually striking variant of the Bengal tiger, with only a handful of sightings recorded in the wild. The killing of such a unique animal has sparked widespread outrage among wildlife conservationists and animal rights activists.

The poacher’s arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation and has given hope to wildlife protection efforts in the region. Forest officials have assured that they will continue their efforts to bring all those involved in the poaching syndicate to justice. The suspect is expected to be brought back to Odisha for further legal proceedings.

Similipal Tiger Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like tigers and elephants. The killing of the black tiger has heightened concerns about the increasing threat of poaching and the need for stronger conservation measures.