Similipal Tiger Reserve

Similipal Tiger Reserve is located in Mayurbhanj District, in the northernmost part of Odisha. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and tiger population.

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

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on July, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Similipal Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1. Which state is Similipal Tiger Reserve in?+

Q2. Which tribes live in Similipal Tiger Reserve?+

Q3. What is the approximate area covered by the Similipal Tiger Reserve?+

Q4. Which is the dominant tree species in Similipal?+

Tags: similipal tiger reserve

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
Prelims PowerupTest Series
Prelims PowerupTest Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now