Two exceptionally rare “black” tigers have recently been spotted together in Nandankanan National Park in eastern India, offering a rare glimpse of these elusive animals.
The unique coloring of these tigers, caused by a genetic condition called pseudo-melanism, results in darker stripes that merge over their light orange fur, giving them a strikingly dark appearance.
Experts estimate that only about seven or eight black tigers are left in the region, and sightings of these animals are typically limited to this part of India.
The unusual dark coloring stems from the tigers’ closely packed stripe patterns, creating a predominantly dark coat.
Satya Swagat, a 23-year-old business student and amateur photographer from New Delhi, had a chance encounter with the two black tigers, finding himself just 30 feet away.
“I got goosebumps when I first saw the melanistic tiger,” Swagat recalled. He captured striking photos of the rare animals, still stunned by the sight.
Research on the Similipal tiger reserve’s population suggests that inbreeding and isolation may contribute to the prevalence of this genetic mutation among tigers in the region.
According to a report in The Indian Express, researchers combined genetic data from tigers across India with simulations to conclude that the Similipal black tigers likely descended from a small founding population, resulting in inbreeding.
Since 2007, black tiger sightings have been limited to Similipal, Odisha, though there have been occasional reports since as early as 1993.
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