A stunning photograph of one of India's extremely rare black tigers has been selected as the cover image for National Geographic magazine's October 2025 edition. The breathtaking shot, captured by Indian photographer Prasenjeet Yadav, features a magnificent black tiger from Odisha's Similipal National Park, marking a significant achievement for both the photographer and Indian wildlife photography.

The photograph represents months of dedicated effort and extraordinary patience, as Yadav tracked the elusive big cat through the dense forests of Similipal. These black tigers, scientifically known as pseudo-melanistic tigers, are distinguished by their bold, overlapping stripes that create their unusual dark appearance, setting them apart dramatically from regular tigers with their typical orange and black stripe patterns.

What makes this photographic achievement even more remarkable is the extreme rarity of the subject itself. Black tigers are found exclusively in Similipal National Park, and nearly half of the approximately 30 tigers residing in the reserve carry the unique genetic mutation responsible for their distinctive coat coloration. This genetic anomaly makes them among the rarest big cats in the world, making Yadav's successful capture of such an image particularly extraordinary.

Prasenjeet Yadav brings a unique background to wildlife photography, having transitioned from his career as a molecular ecologist to become a National Geographic Photographer and Explorer. Armed with a master's degree in molecular biology, he made the decision to leave scientific research behind and use photography as a powerful bridge between science and society. His work has focused on critical environmental issues, including documenting climate change impacts in the Himalayas, examining the ecological effects of wind energy projects, and studying species evolution in the Western Ghats region. He is also the founder of the initiative "Shoot for Science," which combines scientific research with visual storytelling.

Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Yadav expressed his deep gratitude and sense of privilege in a recent statement. "Being out in the forests of Similipal as a National Geographic photographer and Explorer has been a true privilege," he said. "I saw firsthand the Odisha Forest Department's dedicated, on-ground management and the commitment of its officers to safeguarding the future of these majestic tigers." He went on to describe the intensity of the experience, noting that "photographing T12 was intense and humbling, with days and months of patience distilled into a single moment. Now to see that story on a National Geographic Magazine's international cover is an honor and a reminder of why we document India's extraordinary wild heart."

The significance of this cover story extends beyond mere visual appeal, according to National Geographic's editorial leadership. Nathan Lump, the magazine's editor-in-chief, provided context for the selection, explaining that "the subject of this month's cover feature, from photographer, writer, and National Geographic Explorer, Prasenjeet Yadav, is a surprising corollary to that success story: the tale of a great male tiger with a rare genetic mutation, which has highlighted what happens when an animal population rebounds but remains sequestered in a reserve, without access to a diverse gene pool."

This prestigious recognition places Yadav among an extremely select group of Indian photographers whose work has been honored with a National Geographic cover feature throughout the magazine's illustrious 135-year history. The achievement not only celebrates individual artistic excellence but also brings international attention to India's unique wildlife and the ongoing conservation efforts in places like Similipal National Park. The cover story serves as both a testament to the dedication required for wildlife photography and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving these rare and magnificent creatures for future generations.