Similipal Tiger Reserve

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

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