They were a myth for years. No one believed the witnesses.

Odisha Simlipal Tiger Reserve, India . Home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. But not just any Bengal tiger.

They were discovered in 2007. The hide of one, confiscated from a poacher in 1992, confirmed what locals had been reporting.

A magnificent, rare Black Tiger. More than 60 % of the reserve's tigers are black. Nowhere else on earth are these pseudo-melanistic Bengal tigers seen.

Biologists studying them have said that the characteristic has given selective advantage to the tigers. The dark forests there allow these tigers better camo than normal coloured ones , they can hunt better. Pseudo-melanistic tigers have much more black on them. Since they live isolated from other tigers, in breeding is said to produce this colour. However, there has been no signs of inbreeding depression , no loss of fitness or strength. There are plans to help stabilize the community by introduction of some normal tigers from outside the reserve.

They are not entirely black, and are therefore more accurately described as being pseudo-melanistic.

Reported number vary , as they are difficult to find and the forest is very dense. There are a decent number of them documented so far.

When I ran across a photo of one, I was transfixed. I immediately wondered if our Jack knows of these. I figured he does. I just may do another one sometime. They are each one amazing and different.

As usual, I begin with light tones then layer darker ones til the blacks . The paper is a rough toothed Stonehenge , 22 x 17 inches. A light creamy yellow beige. My camera and scanner went crazy with the influence of tones , so the paper colour isn't right on but close enough. I focused on getting the tiger's tones foremost.

No background. Strictly a biologist study. I took a little artistic license on this, Jack.

I hope you all enjoy this adventure.

So here is the project, from start to finish, with some photos of these amazing tigers. First, the psychedelic light tones.

This is my first serious tiger project. I wasn't prepared for the confusing trails of stripes, especially these, as a reverse negative film. I ended up having to resort to paint by numbers - in each vein labeling either B for black, or O for orange...even then sometimes I "painted" myself into a corner and had to change the order of stripes...many eye rest breaks were in order. The paint by numbers are just seen in the below close up.



Finally, the finished...




Some neat photos...














Jack. You were right. The tiger is the most magnificent animal on the face of the earth.

I was thinking of you during this entire project.

Face to the wind, on the surface, my friend.

Beautiful

Incredible work Ms Sharon

Beautiful!!!!

Very nice

Stunning! I love the dark on his back. Thank you for sharing your work. You’re a gem

Marvelous. So interesting they have the same white triangle on the back of their ears as bobcats. Some adaptive advantage? The Creator's artistry is so magnificent. Beautiful art work Sharon. Thanks for sharing!

Wow!
That's all I can say, WOW!

While I'm impressed with everything about this.... it was especially neat to watch you bring his eyes to life!

Great work, I've never heard of black tigers, very cool.

Awesome

Outstanding!

Thank you for explaining and sharing you talents.

Amazing!

Simply stunning. The animals and the art work. Thank you so much for sharing.

Special thank you for sharing the in progress pictures.

Dang Miss Sharon

Very stunning work as always Sharon , I'm in awe of your dedication to get it right then to share it with us !

Allan

Unreal !!

Always been a fan of your work, however this is way out there, I mean this is really something else, and those eye's
My word you have the gift !!!

Outstanding work! You never cease to amaze.

Beautifully done,the detail is amazing