There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
02-20-2018, 12:05 PM( This post was last modified: 02-20-2018, 05:25 PM by Rishi )
Latest images of Subhranshu & Krishna, the only captive melanistic tigers in the world, residents of Nandan Kanan zoo safari-zone in Bhubaneswar, Odisha; the 2nd largest zoo in India.
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
Although we don't really know when & where the mutation took place, but presently only the Simlipal TR has about a half a dozen melanistic tigers (as per previous census, latest data isn't available yet).
As most of the facilities specimens had been sourced from Odisha's own forests, probably some carrier/s of the gene were among them.
Unbeknownst to everyone, one white tigress (Sneha) & her mate (Manish) were carriers & she surprised the authorities by giving birth to a litter of 4 with two melanistics in mid-2014.