Similipal Tiger Reserve

Similipal Tiger Reserve is one of the largest and most prominent protected areas in eastern India, located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Declared a tiger reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger, it forms part of the UNESCO-recognised Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve and is also a designated biosphere reserve. The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and unique ecological features. It is an important conservation landscape, supporting populations of tigers, elephants, and other threatened species, while also sustaining indigenous communities.

Geographical Location and Extent

Similipal derives its name from the Simul tree (Bombax ceiba), a tall, red-flowered species that is commonly found in the area. The reserve is situated in northern Odisha and forms part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
The total area of the Similipal Tiger Reserve is 2,750 square kilometres, of which the core area spans about 850 square kilometres and the buffer zone covers 1,900 square kilometres. It lies within the larger Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which also includes Satkosia and Hadgarh sanctuaries.
The terrain is predominantly hilly, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 metres. The highest point is Khairiburu peak (1,178 m). Numerous rivers, such as the Budhabalanga and Khairi, originate from this region, sustaining the ecological balance and supporting agriculture downstream.

Climate and Vegetation

The climate of Similipal is tropical monsoon type, with three distinct seasons:

• Summer (March–June): Hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C.
• Monsoon (July–September): Heavy rainfall, averaging around 2,000 mm annually.
• Winter (October–February): Cool and dry, with temperatures sometimes dropping below 10°C.

The vegetation of Similipal is highly diverse, comprising:

• Tropical semi-evergreen forests
• Tropical moist deciduous forests
• Dry deciduous forests
• Grasslands and savannahs

Over 1,076 plant species have been recorded, including 96 species of orchids. Notable trees include sal (Shorea robusta), mahogany, teak, and mango. The forests also provide non-timber products such as medicinal plants, mushrooms, and wild fruits used by local communities.

Biodiversity and Fauna

Similipal Tiger Reserve is a major biodiversity hotspot in eastern India.

• Mammals: It is home to the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus), leopard, wild boar, gaur, sambar, and chital. The Melanistic tigers (black tigers with unique dark coat patterns) of Similipal are globally famous and have attracted significant scientific attention.
• Birds: Over 230 bird species have been recorded, including the grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, and peafowl.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: The reserve harbours king cobras, pythons, monitor lizards, and numerous frog species.
• Butterflies and Insects: Several rare butterflies, including the Kaiser-i-Hind, thrive here due to the varied vegetation.

The presence of both elephants and tigers makes Similipal one of the few landscapes in India where these two flagship species coexist.

Waterfalls and Scenic Features

Similipal is renowned for its natural beauty. Several waterfalls add to its charm:

• Barehipani Falls (399 m), the second highest waterfall in India.
• Joranda Falls (150 m), known for its single-drop cascade.
• Uski Falls, a lesser-known but picturesque spot.

These waterfalls, along with dense forests, valleys, and meadows, make Similipal a popular eco-tourism destination.

Human Settlements and Indigenous Communities

Similipal is home to several indigenous tribal groups, including the Santals, Kol, Khadia, and Mankidia communities. They depend on forest resources for food, medicine, and livelihood. Some practice shifting cultivation, while others engage in gathering forest produce.
The reserve is also inhabited by the Bisois, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG). Balancing conservation goals with the rights and welfare of these communities remains a key challenge.

History and Conservation Status

Originally designated as a hunting ground for the kings of Mayurbhanj, Similipal was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1956. It was brought under Project Tiger in 1973 and later declared a biosphere reserve in 1994. In 2009, UNESCO included it in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Despite conservation efforts, challenges persist due to poaching, forest fires, illegal felling, and human-wildlife conflict. The remoteness of certain areas makes monitoring difficult.

Threats and Challenges

Similipal faces several ecological and socio-economic threats:

• Forest fires, often caused by human activity during dry summers.
• Poaching of tigers, elephants, and deer.
• Human-wildlife conflict, particularly crop raiding by elephants.
• Encroachment and illegal grazing in buffer zones.
• Climate change, which affects monsoon rainfall and habitat conditions.

Conservation Measures

The management of Similipal Tiger Reserve includes multiple strategies:

• Core and buffer zone protection to minimise human interference.
• Eco-tourism initiatives that provide livelihoods to locals while spreading awareness.
• Community participation in forest protection committees.
• Wildlife monitoring through camera traps and field surveys.
• Fire management programmes to reduce the impact of seasonal forest fires.

The Odisha Forest Department, with support from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and international conservation organisations, continues to strengthen protection and ecological monitoring in the reserve.