Baripada Forest Officials Seize Rare Melanistic Tiger Skin, Two Detained
Baripada, Mayurbhanj: In a major breakthrough against wildlife trafficking, forest officials in Baripada seized the skin of a rare melanistic tiger during a raid in the Kuliana area.
Acting on intelligence inputs, the team detained two suspects at the scene and brought them to the Baripada forest office for interrogation.
The melanistic tiger, locally known as କଳାବାଘ, is found only in Similipal sanctuary and is considered one of the rarest big cats in the world. Its survival is under severe threat due to illegal trade in wildlife parts.
Authorities suspect the involvement of a larger trafficking network and have intensified raids under the leadership of Baripada forest officials and the Deputy Director of Similipal South Division.
Officials stated that further details will be shared in a press briefing once the investigation progresses.
This seizure highlights both the urgent need for stronger enforcement against wildlife crime and the importance of protecting Odisha’s unique biodiversity.
