Simlipal Tiger Reserve

GS 3-Conservation

• Location: Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India.
• Establishment: Declared a tiger reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger and a biosphere reserve in 1994.
• Area: Spans approximately 2,750 sq. km, with a core area of 1,194.75 sq. km and a buffer area of 1,255.25 sq. km.
• UNESCO Recognition: Part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
• Etymology: The name “Simlipal” is derived from the abundance of ‘Semul’ (Silk Cotton) trees in the region.

 

Ecological Significance

• Habitat Type: Tropical moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous hill forest, and grasslands.
• Flora:
  • Over 1,200 species of plants including sal, mahua, mango, jamun, and orchids.
• Fauna:
  • Home to tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, gaur, sloth bears, and four-horned antelopes.
  • Avifauna: Includes over 300 bird species, such as the hill myna, red junglefowl, and peafowl.
  • Reptiles: Houses rare species like the tricarinate hill turtle and Indian rock python.

 

Rivers and Waterfalls

• Major Rivers: Originates from several rivers like Budhabalanga, Khairi, and Deo.
• Waterfalls: Famous ones include Barehipani Falls (399 meters) and Joranda Falls (150 meters).

 

Cultural and Tribal Significance

• The reserve is inhabited by tribal communities such as the Santhal, Kolha, and Mankadia tribes.
• These tribes practice sustainable livelihoods like agriculture, hunting, and collection of forest produce.

 

Conservation Challenges

1. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachments and livestock grazing lead to conflicts.
2. Deforestation: Illegal logging and forest fires degrade the habitat.
3. Poaching: Threatens tigers and other species.
4. Tribal Relocation: Balancing conservation with the rights of indigenous communities is challenging.
5. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns impact the ecosystem.

 

Conservation Initiatives

• Project Tiger: Implemented to ensure long-term conservation of tigers and their habitat.
• Eco-Development Programs: Promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities to reduce their dependency on forest resources.
• Anti-Poaching Measures: Regular patrolling and use of modern technology such as camera traps.
• Afforestation: Steps taken to restore degraded areas with native plant species.