Mayurbhanj, March 23 -- The Similipal Tiger Reserve, home to the rare pseudo-melanistic tigers, has seen a major crackdown on poachers, with 12 arrests made in connection with the seizure of a melanistic tiger skin. However, the main accused remains absconding, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the Rs. 100 crore annual budget allocated for the reserve's protection.

In a shocking incident, the Baripada Forest Division in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, seized the skin of an adult melanistic tiger (commonly known as a black tiger) from poachers. Authorities arrested a total of 12 individuals in connection with the case, though the main accused remains absconding.

Melanistic tigers, characterised by their striking dark-striped coats ...