As the tiger population in Eastern India's Similipal Tiger Reserve bounces back, a rare genetic mutation is identified in the population known as pseudo-melanism. While the mutation is harmless, it causes the tigers to have distinctly dark coats, a trait now shared by roughly half the 30 or so tigers that roam the Similipal reserve. National Geographic Explorer and photographer Prasenjeet Yadav notes that scientists found these "black tigers" to be indicative of a limited gene pool in the region

In 2024, a hidden camera captured footage of a wolf stealing the bait from a crab trap, which some researchers suggest constitutes the first reported tool use by a wild wolf. While captive canids—like dogs and dingoes—have been observed using tools to solve problems, this new study highlights the adaptability and cleverness of wild wolves and sparks debate over what constitutes tool use. Learn more about signs of animal intelligence and what wolves are really capable of: https://on.natgeo.com/48

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