Consider the following statements with reference to ‘Black tigers’: 1. It is a distinct species of tiger native to the Sub-Himalayan range. 2. They are black because of the presence of pseudo-melanism. 3. They are categorized as ‘Endangered’ in the IUCN Data. 4. Similipal Tiger Reserve has the highest number of black tigers in India. How many of the statements given above are correct? |ForumIAS

Q. Consider the following statements with reference to ‘Black tigers’:
1.It is a distinct species of tiger native to the Sub-Himalayan range.
2.They are black because of the presence of pseudo-melanism.
3.They are categorized as ‘Endangered’ in the IUCN Data.
4.Similipal Tiger Reserve has the highest number of black tigers in India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] Only three

[D] All four

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation –

Statement 1 is incorrect. Black tigers are not a distinct species but rather a color variation of the Bengal tiger, which is native to the Indian subcontinent.

Statements 2, 3 and 4 are correct. Most “black” tigers are pseudo-melanistic, meaning their dark appearance is due to closely spaced, thick stripes rather than a complete absence of orange pigment. Bengal tigers are classified as Endangered so are black tigers. Currently, Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has the highest concentration of reported pseudo-melanistic tigers in India.

Source: Forum IAS

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS