Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik has expressed his joy at a historic recognition. Similipal’s rare black tiger has been chosen to feature on the cover of the prestigious National Geographic magazine, bringing global attention to this extraordinary wildlife treasure of Odisha.

Taking to social media platform X, Patnaik proudly wrote: “Glad to know that Similipal’s rare Black Tiger is being featured on the cover of National Geographic (@NatGeo) in the October 2025 edition. Indeed, a proud moment for #Odisha. Thank Indian photographer Prasenjeet Yadav for capturing this breathtaking image of the melanistic tigers, found exclusively in Similipal.”

Patnaik, who guided the state for nearly 24 years as Chief Minister, also recalled his government’s visionary initiative. In January 2024, his administration had announced the world’s very first Melanistic Tiger Safari near Baripada. This decision was aimed at showcasing the rare and majestic black tigers to the world while promoting conservation and eco-tourism in the region.

The “black tigers,” as they are popularly called, are not a separate species but melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers. Their unique appearance is the result of a genetic mutation that increases melanin levels, causing the stripes to appear unusually broad and closely spaced. This gives them a darker, shadow-like appearance that sets them apart. Remarkably, nowhere else in the world does this natural mutation occur, making Similipal an unparalleled habitat.

According to the 2022 estimates, out of 16 tigers found in the reserve, 10 displayed melanistic traits. The cause lies in a mutation of the Taqpep gene, which regulates pigmentation. Since these tigers are not completely black but show dense, dark stripes over their traditional orange coat, the condition is also referred to as pseudo-melanism.

Similipal’s rugged hills, thick forests, and rich biodiversity have created the only natural home for these rare tigers. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this genetic cluster and ensure ecological balance in the reserve. Adding further significance, official sources confirmed: “A melanistic tiger safari, the first of its kind in the world, will be established at Similipal in Odisha. The Central Zoo Authority has already given its approval for the establishment of melanistic tiger safari at Similipal.”

The Similipal Tiger Reserve thus stands as the only location on Earth where melanistic tigers are found in the wild. The National Tiger Conservation Authority’s 2018 Tiger Estimation report also confirmed this fact, strengthening Similipal’s reputation as a one-of-a-kind sanctuary for these mysterious big cats.

Similipal is the Only Wildlife Reserve in India to Spot the Rare Black Tiger

Nestled in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, the Similipal Tiger Reserve is regarded as one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Spanning across more than 2,700 square kilometres within the greater Similipal Biosphere Reserve, this wilderness is home to dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and unique wildlife. What sets it apart, however, is an extraordinary distinction – it is the only place in India where the rare black tiger has ever been recorded.

The black tiger is not a separate species but the result of a rare genetic condition. This mutation causes the tiger’s stripes to become unusually broad and dark, creating the visual effect of a tiger that appears almost entirely black. Such sightings are exceptionally uncommon across the world. Yet, a few have been documented here in Similipal, turning it into a remarkable attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, scientists, and nature lovers alike.

The reserve supports sixty-six species thriving across sal forests, river valleys, and open grasslands. It is not only home to black tigers but also elephants, leopards, gaur, and the dhole or wild dog. More than 300 bird species have been recorded here, offering visitors a chance to witness wildlife beyond the legendary tiger. Each safari in Similipal promises something awe-inspiring, even if the tigers themselves are often elusive.

Adding to its cultural landscape, Similipal is also home to indigenous tribal communities who have coexisted with nature for centuries. Their traditions contribute to the unique environment of the reserve. Conservation campaigns led by locals, combined with strong government measures under Project Tiger, have strengthened big cat populations. However, spotting a tiger requires patience and often luck, as they are known for their secretive behaviour.

For visitors, Similipal offers not only the thrill of wildlife safaris but also scenic attractions nearby, including the breathtaking Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls. Walking trails across lush valleys add to the charm. The ideal time to visit is between November and June, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of wildlife encounters are higher. Strict conservation policies limit human interference, ensuring that the fragile ecosystem of Similipal remains preserved for generations.

Tracking the Elusive Black Tiger for 120 Days to Capture the Perfect Cover

The Similipal Tiger Reserve stands apart from the many other big cat sanctuaries spread across India. Unlike other reserves, it is geographically isolated, and that separation has preserved something truly unique. Roughly half of Similipal’s tigers carry a rare genetic mutation known as pseudo-melanism. This condition broadens their dark stripes and gives them the striking appearance that makes them world-famous. Because the reserve is vast and rugged, spotting such tigers is already uncommon. Capturing them in a magazine-quality photograph is even rarer. That is why the recent work of National Geographic Explorer and photographer Prasenjeet Yadav is so significant. Yadav spent 120 days in Similipal, studying, tracking, and finally photographing these mysterious animals. He worked alongside a team of genetic researchers and forest officials, combining field photography with scientific insight to tell the story for National Geographic’s October cover.

In an interview with National Geographic, Yadav shared how his journey unfolded. Before stepping behind the camera, he was a molecular biologist. He had once worked as a researcher in the lab of molecular ecologist Uma Ramakrishnan at India’s National Centre for Biological Sciences. It was there that he first came to know about the rare black tigers. Later, when Ramakrishnan, who is also a National Geographic Explorer, and her team discovered what caused the tigers’ black appearance, Yadav felt an irresistible pull to return to this subject. “I never saw stories as just stories … I also build them with data backed from active research,” he said. His scientific background gave him a unique way to look at photography—every image had to be grounded in evidence and connect back to data.

Yet the task ahead was challenging. Yadav explained that “tigers are generally not very camera shy. They’re usually more curious than scared.” But the melanistic tigers were different. They avoided his camera traps, were more skittish, and could detect human scent. This made them difficult to photograph directly. His earlier experience with snow leopards during a National Geographic assignment turned out to be useful. Just as the leopards were sensitive to their environment, these tigers also responded sharply to changes. To counter this, Yadav adjusted his field strategy. He revealed: “What I started doing is hiding those cameras and leaving one camera on the trail, but at the same time adding another camera at [an] unexpected place every time. So a tiger would move on that trail once in 15 or 18 days—and it was a long trail—and I would, every time the tiger would pass from there, I would change the locations of the cameras.”

Despite being the photographer in the field, Yadav emphasized that it was never a one-man effort. “I am the one in the field taking the photos, but it's not a one-person job,” he said. He credited his success to a large support network. At the center was his local field associate, Raghu Purti, whom Yadav described as “a man of a few words but extremely sharp about the forest. I think we both learned a lot from each other—me more from him, because he knew the forest better than anyone.” The Odisha forest department also played a crucial role, offering more than just permission. They helped with logistics and provided their deep knowledge of tiger movements. Researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India contributed valuable scientific data about Similipal, while National Geographic’s photo engineer Tom O’Brien helped design and refine the camera-trap systems. Together, this diverse team created the conditions necessary for Yadav to achieve his dream shot.

The long weeks spent in Similipal were filled with endurance, patience, and sometimes, light-hearted moments. Yadav recalled how they would listen to the calls of animals and try to guess which creature was making the sound. He shared: “We would just constantly keep playing these games of, oh, what is this sound? And one evening we actually heard the tiger call when I was setting up a camera and I remember Raghu look[ing] at me and be[ing] like, tell me what this sound is. And I'm like, dude, this is a tiger, of course! And he was just playing along with me, and then we ran to the car.” These moments not only broke the monotony of waiting but also deepened the bond within the team.

For 120 days, Yadav carried his Nikon Z 9 camera fitted with a 400mm f2.8 lens, ready for any fleeting encounter. That dedication finally delivered results. Reflecting on the moment, he admitted: “I mean, this is where I don't have many words. Here was a hook in my mouth wanting to get a cover story and if I wouldn't have gotten this one, I would've spent another 10 years trying to get it.”

The outcome was worth every struggle. His breathtaking photograph of the black tiger now graces the cover of National Geographic’s October 2025 issue. Looking back, he said: “From the story point of view, I'm genuinely happy … because this story deserves that kind of attention.” He added, “at no point I ever thought that I would get a photo that we have. I had a photo in my mind, but the one that we got on the [second to last] day was way better than the one that I ever imagined. I know I'm not very spiritual, but that day I felt extremely spiritual. I was like, this is Similipal’s blessing to me. It has seen me work hard for [the] last 120 days and this is how it is saying goodbye to me.”

The story of Yadav’s cover shot is not only about a photograph but also about persistence, teamwork, and the unique magic of Similipal. It shows how science, dedication, and patience can come together to reveal a rare moment that may never happen again.