Simlipal Tiger Reserve: A Biodiversity Haven and Cultural Treasure
A three-year-old female tiger recently wandered from Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha into the Bandwan region of Purulia district, West Bengal.
About Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR):
Location:
- Found in the Mayurbhanj District, in northern Odisha.
- Surrounded by high plateaus and hills, with its tallest peaks being Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above sea level.
Designation:
- Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956.
- Included in the Project Tiger initiative in 1973.
- Recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
Terrain:
- Characterized by undulating hills and plateaus, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded regions.
Vegetation:
- Dominated by Northern tropical moist deciduous forests, with patches of semi-evergreen forest.
- The only known habitat of the rare melanistic (black) tigers.
- Hosts 1078 plant species, including 94 orchid species, with Sal being the predominant tree.
Fauna:
- Large Mammals: Includes leopards, gaur, elephants, barking deer, spotted deer, and sloth bears.
- Small Mammals: Features langurs, mongooses, pangolins, flying squirrels, and porcupines.
- Reptiles: Includes pythons, monitor lizards, and turtles.
- Birds: A rich diversity of bird species resides within the reserve.
Cultural Importance:
- Inhabited by indigenous tribes such as Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Where is Simlipal Tiger Reserve located?
Simlipal Tiger Reserve is situated in the Mayurbhanj District, in the northernmost part of Odisha, India.
What is the significance of Simlipal Tiger Reserve?
It is a protected area for tigers and biodiversity conservation, recognized under Project Tiger since 1973 and designated as part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
What are the highest peaks in Simlipal Tiger Reserve?
The highest peaks in Simlipal are Khairiburu and Meghashini, both reaching 1515 meters above sea level.
What types of terrain can be found in Simlipal Tiger Reserve?
Simlipal features an undulating, hilly terrain with open grasslands and wooded areas.
What kind of vegetation dominates Simlipal Tiger Reserve?
The reserve is primarily covered by Northern tropical moist deciduous forests, with semi-evergreen patches and Sal trees as the dominant species.
What makes Simlipal Tiger Reserve unique?
Simlipal is the only place in the world known to be home to melanistic (black) tigers.
How many plant species are found in Simlipal Tiger Reserve?
The reserve hosts 1078 plant species, including 94 species of orchids.
What animals can be found in Simlipal Tiger Reserve?
Simlipal is home to a variety of wildlife, including large mammals like leopards, gaur, elephants, barking deer, spotted deer, and sloth bears. It also hosts small mammals, reptiles, and numerous bird species.
Are there any tribes living within Simlipal Tiger Reserve?
Yes, the reserve is home to several indigenous tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
When was Simlipal Tiger Reserve declared a Tiger Reserve?
It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956.
What are the key reptiles found in Simlipal?
The reserve is home to reptiles such as pythons, monitor lizards, and turtles.
Why is Simlipal Tiger Reserve important for conservation?
It serves as a critical habitat for tigers, including melanistic tigers, and supports a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.
What bird species can be found in Simlipal Tiger Reserve?
Simlipal hosts a wide variety of bird species, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
How is Simlipal Tiger Reserve culturally significant?
The reserve is inhabited by diverse tribes with unique traditions and lifestyles, making it an important cultural area.
What is the elevation of the Simlipal Tiger Reserve’s highest peaks?
The highest peaks, Khairiburu and Meghashini, rise to 1515 meters above sea level.
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