Simlipal Tiger Reserve UPSC

Simlipal Tiger Reserve is a national park and tiger reserve located in the state of Odisha, India. It is one of the largest and most important tiger reserves in the country. Simlipal is also recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Simlipal Tiger Reserve is named after the Semul or red silk cotton trees (Bombax ceiba) that are found abundantly in the region. The reserve is characterized by its diverse topography, consisting of hills, valleys, plateaus, and waterfalls, creating a rich and varied ecosystem.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Waterfalls
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Simlipal Tiger Reserve Location

Similipal Tiger Reserve is located within the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha in India. It is situated in the northern part of the state.

The reserve is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) west of the capital city Bhubaneswar. The nearest town to Simlipal Tiger Reserve is Baripada, which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Simlipal Tiger Reserve is Biju Patnaik International Airport, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The distance between Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar and Simlipal Tiger Reserve is approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles) by road. It is the primary airport serving the state and is well-connected to major cities in India.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, Baripada Railway Station is the most convenient option for reaching Simlipal Tiger Reserve. It is situated in the town of Baripada, which is close to the reserve. The distance between Baripada Railway Station and Simlipal Tiger Reserve is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles).

Simlipal Tiger Reserve History

Simlipal Tiger Reserve has a rich history that dates back several decades. Here is a brief, overview of its history:

1. Tiger Reserve Status: Similipal was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956 and brought under Project Tiger in 1973.

2. Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park: Simlipal was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1979. It was later upgraded to a national park in 1980. The primary objective of establishing the reserve was to protect the biodiversity of the region, particularly the Royal Bengal tiger population.

3. Biosphere Reserve: In 1994, Similipal Tiger Reserve area was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the Government of India.

4. UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve: In 2009, Similipal Biosphere Reserve is also recognized as a biosphere reserve under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve Area

The total area of Simlipal Tiger Reserve is approximately 2,750 square kilometers (1,060 square miles). This includes both the core/critical tiger habitat and the buffer/peripheral area within the reserve.

Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: 1194.75 square kilometers (approximately 462 square miles).
Buffer/Peripheral Area: 1555.25 square kilometers (approximately 600 square miles).
Total Area: 2750.00 square kilometers (approximately 1060 square miles).

Similipal Tiger Reserve area also comes under Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas —

Similipal Tiger Reserve
Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with 191.06 km2 and
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary with 272.75 km2.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve Hills

Simlipal Tiger Reserve is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, as it is located in the eastern end of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. The reserve's topography is characterized by hills, valleys, and plateaus, adding to its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems.

The highest peaks within Simlipal Tiger Reserve are Khairiburu and Meghashini, which are twin peaks with an elevation of 1,515 meters (4,970 feet). These peaks offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and are a popular attraction for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve River

Simlipal Tiger Reserve is traversed by several rivers and their tributaries, contributing to the diverse ecosystem within the reserve. Some of the prominent rivers that flow through Simlipal Tiger Reserve are:

(1) Burhabalanga River:

Burhabalanga is a major river that passes through the reserve. It originates in the Meghasani hills and flows southwards, eventually joining the Baitarani River.

(2) Palpala Bandan River:

Palpala Bandan is another significant river that flows through Simlipal Tiger Reserve. It also merges with the Baitarani River.

(3) Salandi River:

Salandi River is one of the major rivers in Odisha, and it passes through the Simlipal Tiger Reserve. It is a tributary of the Baitarani River and contributes to the overall hydrological network of the reserve.

(4) Kahairi River:

Kahairi River is another important river that traverses through Simlipal Tiger Reserve. It is a tributary of the Salandi River and adds to the water resources of the reserve.

(5) Deo River:

Deo River is yet another river that flows through the reserve, enriching the flora and fauna of Simlipal Tiger Reserve.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve Waterfalls

Simlipal Tiger Reserve is home to several beautiful waterfalls that add to the scenic beauty of the reserve. Two prominent waterfalls within the reserve are Joranda Falls and Barehipani Falls:

(1) Joranda Falls:

Joranda Falls is a picturesque waterfall located within Simlipal Tiger Reserve. It cascades down from a height of approximately 150 feet (45 meters) and creates a mesmerizing sight.

(2) Barehipani Falls:

Barehipani Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Odisha and is also located within Simlipal Tiger Reserve. It is the highest waterfall in the state, plunging down from a height of about 1,309 feet (400 meters). The falls consist of two tiers and provide a spectacular view for visitors.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve Tribe

Simlipal Tiger Reserve is inhabited by various tribal communities who have a deep connection with the forests and have been living in harmony with nature for generations. Some of the prominent tribes found in the region include:

(1) Kolha: The Kolha tribe is one of the major tribal communities in Simlipal Tiger Reserve. They have their unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle, which are closely intertwined with the forest resources.

(2) Santhal: The Santhal tribe is another significant tribal community in the region. They have a rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of the forest ecosystem.

(3) Bhumija: The Bhumija tribe is an indigenous community residing in the area. They have their distinct customs, practices, and traditional occupations linked to the forest and its resources.

(4) Bhatudi: The Bhatudi tribe is also found in the vicinity of Simlipal Tiger Reserve. They have a close association with the forest and rely on its resources for their sustenance.

(5) Gondas: The Gondas tribe is a tribal community with a presence in the region. They have their unique cultural practices, including traditional art forms and handicrafts.

(6) Khadia: The Khadia tribe is another tribal group living in and around the reserve.

(7) Mankadia: The Mankadia tribe is an indigenous community that has been residing in the region for centuries.

(8) Sahara: The Sahara tribe is a tribal community found in the area, known for their traditional knowledge of the forest and its resources.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve Flora

Simlipal Tiger Reserve boasts a diverse range of flora, representing various bio-geographic zones and plant species from different regions. Here is an overview of the flora found in Simlipal Tiger Reserve:

(1) Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest:

This forest type is predominant throughout Simlipal Tiger Reserve, except in moist valleys and the southern and eastern aspects of the hills. It consists of a mix of deciduous tree species, including sal (Shorea robusta), asan (Terminalia alata), simal (Bombax ceiba), mahua (Madhuca longifolia), and more.

(2) Tropical Semievergreen Forest:

These forests occur in areas with suitable microclimatic conditions. They have a mix of evergreen and deciduous tree species and are characterized by their high species diversity. Some common tree species found in these forests include garjan (Dipterocarpus indicus), haldinia (Haldinia cordifolia), kusum (Schleichera oleosa), and more.

(3) Dry Deciduous Hill Forests:

This forest type is mostly found in the eastern and southern parts of Simlipal Tiger Reserve. It occurs on steep and exposed slopes. Tree species like sal, asan, amala (Phyllanthus emblica), and bamboo species are typically found in these forests.

(4) High-Level Sal Forest:

This forest type is found in plateaus situated at elevations above 850 meters. Sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant tree species in these forests.

(5) Grassland and Savanna:

Small patches of grassland and savanna can be found in Simlipal Tiger Reserve. These areas are typically located on hilltops above 900 meters in elevation, as well as in frosty valleys and along the banks of streams. These open areas support a variety of grasses and herbaceous plants.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve Fauna (Simlipal Tiger Reserve Animals)

Simlipal Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and rich wildlife. It is home to a wide range of fauna, including several endangered and rare species. Here are some of the notable animal species found in Simlipal Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Leopard Cat
Fishing Cat
Jungle Cat
Wolf
Jackal
Hyaena
Elephants
Indian Bison
Sambar
Chital
Barking Deer
Mouse Deer
Ratel
Civet
Giant Squirrel
Flying Squirrel
Mongoose
Pangolin
Hare
Langur
Rhesus Macaque

Note- Simlipal has the world's highest rate of black tiger sightings in the world. Black tigers were first officially recorded in the forests of Similipal in 1975-76.

Birds:

Peafowl
Jungle Fowl
Patridge
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Grey Hornbill
Hill Myna
Parakeets
Sun Birds
Crested Serpent Eagle
Oriole
Tree Pie
Minivet
Wagtails
Pipits
White Ibis
Spoonbills
Red Wattled Lapwings
Teal
Plover
River Tern
Herons
Egrets
Kingfishers

Reptiles:

Mugger Crocodile
Python
King Cobra
Common Cobra
Krait
Viper

Note- Simlipal comes under a high cerebral malaria-prone zone.