Melanistic tiger dies in Similipal Tiger Reserve
The Hindu
The STR first reported the presence of melanistic tigers in 2007. The 2016 tiger census revealed six such tigers in the reserve.
A rare melanistic tiger was found dead in the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) area, the Forest and Environment Development department said on May 1.
It attributed the death to infighting among male tigers which fiercely clash to defend their territory. The melanistic tiger is rarely found in the wild. A team of National Tiger Conservation Authority will investigate the circumstances under which the tiger died.
The STR first reported the presence of melanistic tigers in 2007. The 2016 tiger census revealed six such tigers in the reserve.
While residents are worried over deaths due to diarrhoea in Vijayawada, officials still grapple to find the root cause. Contaminated drinking water supplied by VMC officials is the reason, insist people in the affected areas, but officials insist that efforts are on to identify the disease and that those with symptoms other than diarrhoea too are visiting the health camps.