Similipal Tiger Reserve

Similipal Tiger Reserve Latest News

The Odisha High Court recently issued notice to the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Baripada, over a ban preventing Munda tribals of Jamunagarh village from performing rituals at Jayara, a sacred site within Similipal Tiger Reserve.

About Similipal Tiger Reserve 

• It is located within the Mayurbhanj District, in the northernmost part of Odisha.
• Situated in the Deccan Peninsular Bio-geographic Zone, it harbours a unique blend of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and eastern Himalayan biodiversity.
• It is spread over 2750 sq.km. and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.
• It comes under the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve that includes the adjacent Hadgarh and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• 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).
• The terrain is mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
• History and Current Status:
  • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and included under Project Tiger in 1973.
  • Recognised as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
• Drainage:  
  • At least twelve rivers cut across the plain area, all of which drain into the Bay of Bengal. 
  • The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo.
• It is also home to various tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
• Vegetation: The vegetation is a mix of different forest types and habitats, with Northern tropical moist deciduous dominating some semi-evergreen patches. 
• Flora:
  • The floristic composition indicates a connecting link between South Indian and North Eastern Sub-Himalayan Species. 
  • Sal is the dominant tree species here. 
  • The park also has extensive grasslands that are grazing grounds for many of the herbivores. 
  • These forests boast of many plants that have medicinal and aromatic properties. 
• Fauna:
  • It is known for the tiger, elephant, and hill mynah.
  • It holds the highest tiger population in Odisha.
  • 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: NIE