National Parks in Odisha

Odisha National Parks UPSC

Odisha is home to 2 national park that showcase the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

Table of Contents Simlipal National Park Bhitarkanika National Park

1. Simlipal National Park

1. Simlipal National Park is located in the Mayurbhanj district of the Indian state of Odisha.
2. It is named after the Semul or red silk cotton trees (Bombax ceiba) that are found abundantly in the region.
3. It was once a favored hunting ground for the rulers of Marurbhanj.
4. In 1956, Simlipal was officially designated as a tiger reserve.
5. In 1973, Simlipal was brought under the ambit of Project Tiger.
6. In 1979, the Odisha government declared Simlipal as a wildlife sanctuary.
7. In 1980, Simlipal was officially established as a national park.
8. In 1994, the Government of India declared it a biosphere reserve.
9. In 2009, Simlipal National Park was added to the prestigious list of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.
10. Area: This park covers an area of 845.70 square kilometres.
11. Hills: The park is located in the northern part of Odisha and is encompassed by the Simlipal hills.
12. River: Some of the prominent rivers and streams in and around the park include Burhabalanga River, Kahairi River, Palpala Bandan River, Salandi River etc.
13. Waterfalls: This park is known for its beautiful waterfalls. Some are Barehipani Falls, Joranda Falls, Uski Waterfall.
14. Tribe: This park is surrounded by several indigenous tribes that have been residing in the region for centuries. Some of the prominent indigenous tribes in the vicinity of the park include Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias.
15. Flora: Sal, Bamboo, Semul, Mahua, Tendu, Asan, Kusum, Palas, Spear grass, Elephant grass, Orchids and Epiphytes etc.
16. Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Pangolin, Sloth Bear, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Mugger Crocodile (Marsh Crocodile), Tricarinate Hill Turtle, Monitor Lizard etc.
17. Black tigers were recorded in the forests of Similipal in 1975-76.
18. Elephant Reserve: This park is a part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.

2. Bhitarkanika National Park

1. Bhitarkanika National Park is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, India.
2. It is situated in the Brahmani-Baitrani estuarial zone, with the Bay of Bengal to the east.
3. In 1975, Bhitarkanika was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Odisha government.
4. In 1998, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park.
5. In 2002, Bhitarkanika was designated as a Ramsar site.
6. Area: The park is spread over an area of 145 km2 (56 sq mi).
7. River: Rivers that flows through the park are Brahmani, Baitarni, Dhamra, Pathsala etc.
8. Flora: Mangroves, Sal, Haldina, Pisal, Jamun, Salt-Tolerant Plants (Kankra, Hental, Sundri khaoa) etc.
9. Bhitarkanika is famous for its mangrove forests, which cover 65% of the park’s area.
10. Fauna: Chitals, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Jungle Cats, Wild Boar, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, House Shrew, Hyena, Cormorants, Black Ibis, Open-billed Storks, Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Saltwater Crocodile, Water Monitor Lizards, White Crocodile, Marine Turtle etc.
11. The park has one of the largest populations of saltwater crocodiles in India.