Similipal National Park

Source: NIE

Context: The Odisha government has officially notified Similipal Tiger Reserve as a National Park, making it the 107th national park in India and the second national park of Odisha after Bhitarkanika.

About Similipal National Park:

• What it is:

• Similipal National Park is a newly notified protected area carved out of the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha. It spans an area of 845.70 sq. km, making it the largest national park in the state.

• Similipal National Park is a newly notified protected area carved out of the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha.

• It spans an area of 845.70 sq. km, making it the largest national park in the state.

• Located in: Situated in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, in the southeastern part of the Deccan Peninsula.

• Features of the National Park:

• Unique Wildlife: Home to melanistic tigers, over 55 species of mammals, 361 bird species, 62 reptile species, and 21 amphibian species. Rich Flora: Supports more than 1,352 plant species, including 94 species of orchids, some of which are endemic. Diverse Landscapes: Hosts tropical moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen patches, dry deciduous forests, and extensive grasslands. River Systems: Drained by rivers like Burhabalanga, Palpala, Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo.

• Unique Wildlife: Home to melanistic tigers, over 55 species of mammals, 361 bird species, 62 reptile species, and 21 amphibian species.

• Rich Flora: Supports more than 1,352 plant species, including 94 species of orchids, some of which are endemic.

• Diverse Landscapes: Hosts tropical moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen patches, dry deciduous forests, and extensive grasslands.

• River Systems: Drained by rivers like Burhabalanga, Palpala, Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo.

• History of Similipal Tiger Reserve:

• Originally a hunting ground for royalty. Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. Recognized as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 and proposed as a National Park in 1980. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009. Part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, including Hadgarh and Kuldiha sanctuaries.

• Originally a hunting ground for royalty.

• Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.

• Recognized as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 and proposed as a National Park in 1980.

• Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009.

• Part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, including Hadgarh and Kuldiha sanctuaries.

• Importance and Significance: Ecological Significance: Vital for preserving the genetic lineage of the world’s only wild melanistic tigers. Conservation Legacy: Strengthens India’s biodiversity conservation and tiger protection efforts. Socio-Economic Upliftment: Promotes tribal welfare and eco-tourism, supporting communities like the Kolha, Santhala, and Mankadia tribes. Strategic Biodiversity Hotspot: Acts as a crucial corridor connecting Eastern Ghats and Sub-Himalayan ecosystems.

• Ecological Significance: Vital for preserving the genetic lineage of the world’s only wild melanistic tigers.

• Conservation Legacy: Strengthens India’s biodiversity conservation and tiger protection efforts.

• Socio-Economic Upliftment: Promotes tribal welfare and eco-tourism, supporting communities like the Kolha, Santhala, and Mankadia tribes.

• Strategic Biodiversity Hotspot: Acts as a crucial corridor connecting Eastern Ghats and Sub-Himalayan ecosystems.