Moneycontrol PRO
HomeScienceThis Indian photographer captures breathtaking shot of rare black tiger after 120 days in the wild

This Indian photographer captures breathtaking shot of rare black tiger after 120 days in the wild

After 120 days in Odisha’s Similipal forests, an Indian photographer captured a rare black tiger—one of NatGeo’s top images of 2024.

September 17, 2025 / 15:37 IST
Indian Photographer Prasenjeet Yadav Captures Rare Black Tiger (Image Credit: instagram.com/prasen.yadav/)

Prasenjeet Yadav, a wildlife photographer, has stunned the world by unveiling a once-in-a-lifetime photograph of a rare pseudo-melanistic (black) tiger roaming the forests of Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha. The frame, which took an astounding 120 days of relentless pursuit and patience, has already been selected as one of National Geographic’s Top Images of 2024.

A Glimpse Into the Wild

Sharing the moment on Instagram, the photographer wrote: “Lost in the wild/work, but still here. ???? … this image was selected as one of @natgeo’s top images of 2024.”


For months, he immersed himself in fieldwork, often “off the grid,” chasing shadows in the dense forests. Each day tested his endurance and skill as he waited for the elusive big cat to emerge. The black tiger, he revealed, pushed his “patience, skill, and tenacity to the limit.” Yet after four months of tireless effort, the reward came—a mesmerizing image of nature’s rarest spectacle.

What Makes the Black Tiger So Rare?

(Image Credit: instagram.com/prasen.yadav/) (Image Credit: instagram.com/prasen.yadav/)

Unlike typical Bengal tigers, black tigers carry a rare genetic condition known as pseudo-melanism, where their dark stripes thicken and merge, giving the appearance of an almost entirely black coat. This anomaly is so uncommon that sightings are globally rare—making Similipal one of the only places on Earth where they exist in the wild.

Similipal Tiger Reserve: Only Place in India to See Black Tigers

Nestled in northern Odisha, Similipal Tiger Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, home to elephants, leopards, hundreds of bird species, and, most famously, the black tiger. The reserve spans over 2,700 square kilometers of dense sal forests, rivers, and grasslands, offering a fragile yet thriving ecosystem. Wildlife experts believe the genetic pool of tigers in Similipal, somewhat isolated from other reserves, may have led to the emergence of this unique coat pattern.

The Story Behind the Frame

The photograph that has now gone viral was actually selected midway through the photographer’s assignment. He admits it wasn’t his “dream shot,” but one that still carried immense meaning. His true vision, he revealed, is yet to be unveiled later this year when the full story is published.

What the post revealed, beyond the image, was the untold story of endurance in wildlife photography—of waking before dawn, tracking animal trails, waiting silently for hours, and returning empty-handed for weeks. It’s a reminder that every iconic shot often hides months of unseen struggle and persistence.

More Than Just a Photograph

The image is more than a personal triumph—it is a testament to conservation, to the mystery of the wild, and to the power of patience. With Similipal being the only known habitat of black tigers in the wild, the photograph is not just breathtaking but historically significant.

In immortalizing this moment, the photographer has not only brought global attention to Odisha’s wild treasures but also highlighted the painstaking dedication it takes to document nature’s rarest wonders.

Rajni Pandey
Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.
first published: Sep 17, 2025 03:37 pm

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347