Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan has captivated social media by sharing images of ‘pseudo-melanistic’ tigers found in Simlipal, Odisha. These rare tigers, resulting from a genetic mutation, have gained attention and admiration for their unique appearance. Kaswan highlighted the beauty and rarity of these pseudo-melanistic tigers, providing insights into their discovery.

According to Kaswan’s post, the first confirmed record of these famous tigers dates back to 1993 when a young boy named Salku from Podagad village shot down a ‘black’ tigress in self-defense. The tigers were officially discovered in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in 2007, with subsequent documentation over time. The images shared by Kaswan showcase the mesmerizing characteristics of these pseudo-melanistic tigers, characterized by a rare genetic mutation.
The post sparked enthusiastic responses from social media users. One individual expressed hope for the conservation of this incredible wildlife, emphasizing the need to protect such unique species. Another commenter marveled at the distinctive appearance of the tigers, noting how their stripes seemed to blend like ink, describing them as both interesting and beautiful.
The third response expressed gratitude for sharing these gorgeous images, recognizing the fortunate opportunity to witness such creations of nature. A fourth comment acknowledged the luck of being in the presence of these lovely creatures, highlighting the appreciation for the natural world.
While social media users celebrated the beauty of these rare tigers, the spotlight on them also raises awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation. The extraordinary nature of these pseudo-melanistic tigers adds to the rich biodiversity of India, emphasizing the need for efforts to safeguard and preserve such unique species for future generations. As discussions unfold online, the hope for the continued conservation of India’s diverse wildlife remains at the forefront.