Satkosia Tiger Reserve UPSC

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Odisha, India. The reserve was established with the aim of conserving the endangered Royal Bengal Tigers and their habitat.

The name "Satkosia" is derived from two Odia words: "sat" means seven, and "kos" refers to a unit of distance, which was traditionally the distance a person could travel in a day. Satkosia thus represents the seven-kilometer-long gorge formed by the Mahanadi River, which is the central feature of the reserve.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Satkosia Tiger Reserve Location

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in the Angul, Cuttack, Boudh and Nayagarh district of Odisha, India. It is situated along the banks of the Mahanadi River and is nestled within the Eastern Ghats mountain range.

The reserve is lying in a transitional zone extending between the Chhota Nagpur Plateau and the Deccan Plateau. The nearest town to Satkosia Tiger Reserve is Angul, which is approximately 50 kilometers away.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Satkosia Tiger Reserve is the Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. It is approximately 140 kilometers away from the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Satkosia Tiger Reserve is the Angul Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. It is located at a distance of approximately 50 kilometers from the reserve.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve History

The history of Satkosia Tiger Reserve dates back to the early 20th century when it was first recognized as a potential area for wildlife conservation. The region was known for its rich biodiversity and the presence of Royal Bengal Tigers.

1. Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1976, Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the wildlife and their habitat along the Mahanadi River. The sanctuary covered an area of approximately 796 square kilometers. However, recognizing the need for enhanced conservation measures and specifically targeting the conservation of tigers, the sanctuary was upgraded to a tiger reserve.

2. Satkosia Tiger Reserve: In 2007, Satkosia Tiger Reserve was officially designated as a protected area under the Project Tiger initiative of the Government of India. The aim was to provide a safe habitat for the endangered Royal Bengal Tigers and promote their conservation.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve Area

Satkosia Tiger Reserve area comprises two adjoining sanctuaries as Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli Sanctuary.

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 963.87 square kilometers. This area includes both the core/critical tiger habitat and the buffer/peripheral area.

The core/critical tiger habitat within the reserve spans approximately 523.61 square kilometers. This area is specifically designated to provide a secure and undisturbed habitat for the Royal Bengal Tigers, which are an endangered species. The core habitat is carefully managed and protected to ensure the survival and conservation of the tiger population.

The buffer/peripheral area of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve covers around 440.26 square kilometers. This area surrounds the core habitat and acts as a transitional zone between the core area and the surrounding human-dominated landscapes. The buffer zone plays a crucial role in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, promoting conservation awareness, and supporting sustainable development practices in the region.

Core/critical tiger habitat : 523.61 Sq.kms.
Buffer/peripheral area : 440.26Sq.kms.
Total : 963.87 Sq.kms

Note- Core area of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve River

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is nestled along the banks of the Mahanadi River, which is a prominent river in the state of Odisha, India. The river plays a significant role in shaping the landscape and ecology of the reserve.

The Mahanadi River flows through the heart of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, forming the famous Satkosia Gorge. This seven-kilometer-long gorge is a striking feature of the reserve, characterized by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops. The river meanders through the gorge, creating a stunning and picturesque landscape.

Additionally, the Mahanadi River serves as a natural boundary for the reserve, contributing to the protection and management of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve ecosystem. It acts as a barrier that helps reduce anthropogenic disturbances and human encroachments on the reserve, safeguarding the wildlife and their habitats.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve Tribe

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Odisha, India, which is known for its rich tribal heritage. The reserve area is home to several indigenous tribal communities who have been residing in the region for centuries. These tribes have a deep connection with the forests, rivers, and wildlife of Satkosia, and their traditional lifestyles and cultural practices are intertwined with the natural environment.

One of the prominent tribes in the vicinity of Satkosia Tiger Reserve is the Kondh tribe. The Kondh tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in Odisha and has a significant presence in the surrounding areas. They have a distinct cultural identity, language, and traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations.

Other tribal communities found in the vicinity of Satkosia Tiger Reserve include the Munda, Kharia, and Bonda tribes, among others. Each tribe has its unique cultural practices, traditions, and ways of life, which are closely linked to the natural environment.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve Flora

The flora of Satkosia Tiger Reserve is diverse and representative of the North Indian tropical moist deciduous forests and moist peninsular low-level sal forests. The reserve showcases various plant associations, with the dominant tree species being sal (Shorea robusta), which grows in dense formations.

In addition to sal, several associate species can be found within the reserve. Some of these species include:

Asan (Terminalia alata): Also known as Indian laurel, it is a large deciduous tree commonly found in the region. It has economic and medicinal importance.

Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia): A deciduous tree known for its strong and durable wood. It is often found growing alongside sal trees.

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus): This fast-growing, clump-forming bamboo species is common in the region. It forms dense thickets and provides important habitat for various wildlife species.

Simal (Bombax ceiba): Also known as the silk cotton tree, it is a large deciduous tree with a tall, straight trunk and a canopy that blooms with vibrant red flowers. It provides nesting sites for birds and is culturally significant.

Apart from these species, the reserve also features a mix of other tree species, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. The Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, characterized by sal and mixed forests, is interspersed with open forest areas and riparian zones. Additionally, there are old Teak (Tectona grandis) plantations within the reserve.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve Fauna (Satkosia Tiger Reserve Animals)

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is home to a rich and diverse array of fauna, including several endangered and threatened species. The reserve's varied habitats, which include forests, riverbanks, and hills, support a wide range of wildlife.

Here are some of the notable fauna found in Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Leopard
Elephant
Spotted Deer
Sambar
Chowsingha
Barking Deer
Bison
Wild Dog
Sloth Bear
Jackal
Giant Squirrel
Porcupine

Birds:

Indian Pitta
Crested Serpent Eagle
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher
Indian Grey Hornbill
Red Junglefowl
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Indian Roller
Great Indian Hornbill
Pied Kingfisher

Reptiles:

Indian Python
King Cobra
Indian Chameleon
Indian Rock Python
Fresh Water Crocodile
Gharial

Note- The Satkosia gorge is the natural habitat of two endangered species viz. fresh water crocodile and the gharial.