Melanistic tiger

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Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan has shared mesmerising images of ‘pseudo-melanistic’ tigers found in Similipal, Odisha, known for...

Melanistic animals are gorgeous. They were born to be different and become conspicuous whenever they are. However, this physical feature sometimes puts them into disadvantageous situations. They might be easily spotted by predators or excluded in their colony. Recently, an extremely rare black Bengal tiger was spotted in the jungles...

A rare encounter of a black tiger, a majestic, solitary predator with a striking ebony coat, marking its territory.

Close up of a black tigers face Black Tigers are, like White Tigers, not a unique subspecies. Rather, they are Bengal Tigers with what is known as pseudo-melanism. Pure melanism refers to a large amount of black pigmentation of the hair / fur / feathers, eyes, and so on. This gives the animal a completely black appearance and is the opposite of albinism. However, this is not the case in either Black or Blue Tigers, which is why the term “pseudo” is used to describe their colouring.

melanistic lion or tiger