similipal tiger reserve for 16 January 2026

Similipal National Park Latest News

The latest crocodile census has recorded an increase in the crocodile population in Odisha’s Similipal National Park.

About Similipal National Park

• It is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
• It covers an area of 2750 sq.km. 
• The park is named after the Simul (silk cotton) tree, which grows in abundance here.
• Not only a National Park, Similipal is also a Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, and also a part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. 
• Situated in the Deccan Peninsular Bio-geographic Zone, it harbours a unique blend of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and eastern Himalayan biodiversity.
• It has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.
• It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515 m above mean sea level).
• It is also home to various tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
• Vegetation: The forest is predominantly moist mixed deciduous forest with tropical semi-evergreen forest in areas with suitable microclimatic conditions and sporadic patches of dry deciduous forests and grasslands.
• Flora:
  • Sal is the dominant tree species here. 
  • It houses 7% of the flowering plants and 8% of India's orchids.
  • The park also has extensive grasslands that are grazing grounds for many of the herbivores. 
• Fauna:
  • It is known for the tiger, elephant, and hill mynah. 
  • It holds the highest tiger population in Odisha.
  • It is the only tiger reserve in the country to boast of melanistic tigers.
  • Apart from the tiger, the major mammals are the leopard, sambar, barking deer, gaur, jungle cat, wild boar, four-horned antelope, giant squirrel, and common langur.

Source: NOA