Unexpected Encounter with a Golden Tiger Leaves Kaziranga National Park Visitors Astonished

Exploration of social media platforms reveals a burgeoning excitement surrounding Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), where a rare and majestic golden tiger, an adult male Bengal tiger displaying the golden morph, has recently been captured on camera after three years of elusive sightings.

According to reports, this extraordinary encounter unfolded during a private photo tour led by 25-year-old Gaurav Ramnarayanan, a tourism professional based in Coimbatore. Ramnarayanan was guiding two Australian tourists through the western side of the park’s Bagori range when the elusive golden tiger made its appearance.

The captivating moment occurred around 4 PM, prompted by warning sounds from barking deers. Buddheshwar Konwar, the tour guide, spotted the elusive golden tiger from a distance of 600 to 700 meters. Displaying its rare golden coat, the tiger gradually approached the group, eventually coming within 60 to 70 meters. Ramnarayanan, overwhelmed by the encounter, continuously captured photographs, describing the experience as truly thrilling and unforgettable.

Gaurav Ramnarayanan, also the proprietor of a travel company, expressed his fortune in witnessing this rare occurrence. Despite having visited Kaziranga before, this marked his first glimpse of the elusive golden tiger.

Sonali Ghosh, the director of the park, shared insights into the rarity of the golden phenotype, a rare recessive trait in Bengal tigers. According to Ghosh, the golden tiger had not been spotted in the park for three years. The park authorities are actively investigating this unique trait through non-invasive scat sampling and DNA mapping conducted by scientists at the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, led by Prof. Uma Ramakrishnan and her team.

Contrary to a previous sighting in July 2020, where experts attributed the golden coloration to color aberration due to excessive inbreeding, Ghosh dismissed the notion of linking inbreeding to genetic variation. She explained that diverse forms of pigmentation phenotypes are common in various species, influenced by evolutionary forces such as selection and random genetic drift.

Assam’s Chief Minister took to social media to share the photograph of the majestic golden tiger, expressing awe and appreciation for this rare and captivating sighting.

The golden tiger’s appearance raises questions about the conservation and genetic diversity of tigers in the wild. The ongoing research and observations in Kaziranga National Park provide valuable insights into the mysterious world of these elusive and captivating creatures. The park authorities’ dedication to understanding and preserving these rare traits underscores the importance of wildlife conservation efforts.

As the captivating images circulate on social media, they not only showcase the natural beauty and diversity of Kaziranga National Park but also spark a global conversation about the intricate genetic makeup of these magnificent creatures. The fortunate encounter serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring wonders that nature has to offer and the importance of protecting and preserving the habitats of endangered species.