Bhubaneswar, July 29 (Reporter) A melanistic tiger safari, the first of its kind in the world, will be established at Similipal in Odisha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Sushant Nanda said on Monday. The Central Zoo Authority has already given its approval for the establishment of melanistic tiger safari at Similipal, Nanda said. The Similipal Tiger Reserve is the only place in the world where melanistic tigers are found in the wild. According to the latest Tiger Estimation report published by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in 2018, melanistic tigers have only been found in the wild at the Similipal Tiger Reserve. The melanistic tiger safari will cover 100 acres of land at Manjiapada in Baripada, about 15 kilometers from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), matching the same landscape. Additionally, the site's proximity to the National Highway and its location near Baripada town are expected to attract a significant number of visitors. Furthermore, the melanistic tiger safari will be an added attraction for visitors coming to the Similipal Tiger Reserve. Official sources said that the area for establishing the melanistic safari has already been identified for this purpose. While 100 acres will be designated as the display area, the remaining area will be used to create veterinary care facilities, including a rescue center, staff infrastructure, and visitor amenities. The Melanistic tiger from Nandankanan Zoo will be sent to the safari, according to the PCCF. Once established, the Melanistic Tiger Safari is expected to elevate the wildlife tourism sector in Odisha to new heights. This initiative by the state government will allow conservationists, researchers, enthusiasts, and the general public to witness the rare beauty of these majestic creatures up close while raising awareness about their conservation needs...////...