Simlipal Tiger
Reserve originated primarily as a hunting ground for the royalty. It was
formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956 under Project Tiger in May
1972. It was elevated to a national park status in 1979.
Located
in the Mayurbhanj district of India. s coastal state of Orissa, Simlipal
Tiger Reserve is an ecosystem complete with forest vegetation (mainly
sal trees), fauna and the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements. High
plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the Mangesheri, surround the
forest. At least 12 rivers cut across the plain area. The prominent
among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo. This
sprawling forest also has many waterfalls that are a perpetual
attraction to the tourist. It has withstood two cyclones. in 1982 and
1999. without any irrevocable damages and continues to enchant visitors.
ClimateDuring
summers, the temperature is very high (around 40°C) whereas during
the winter it falls to about 14°C. The monsoon season brings
moderate to very heavy rainfall.
AttractionsThis
sprawling ecosystem, thanks to the mega conservation efforts, has close
to a 100 tigers. Other mammalian species like leopards, sambhars,
langurs, deer, gaur (Indian bison), elephants, antelopes, chitals,
chevrotains, wild dog, wild boar, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas and
porcupines are also found here. There are around 230 species of birds in
these forests. The ones officially recorded include the red jungle fowl,
hill myna, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle, gray
hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian trogon.
Most of these bird species may be spotted in the park. s Newana area.
There is a sizable population of reptiles as well, which include snakes
and turtles. The population of crocodiles has increased considerably
since the inception of the Mugger Management Program. Simlipal Tiger
Reserve is a floral treasure as well. It has close to 501 species of
plants belonging to 102 families. Eighty-two species of orchids have
already been identified here along with the omnipresent sal trees.
Innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants are found as well that are a
source of earnings for the local tribal population. A panoramic view of
the park can be enjoyed from Barheipani (1308 ft.) region. The most
beautiful and scenic waterfalls of the park are found here and at
Joranda (493 ft.).
FloraThe park is a treasure
house of 501 species of plants belonging to 102 families. 82 species of
orchids have also been identified here. It has a mixed type of
vegetation with Northern tropical semi-evergreen trees and Northern
tropical moist deciduous trees. Plus, dry deciduous hill forest and high
level Sal forests. The grasslands and the savannas provide grazing
grounds for the herbivores and hiding place to the carnivores. The
forest boasts of innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants, which
provide a source of earnings for the tribals.
FaunaProject
Tiger also concerned itself with the care of other animals. After the
project was launched, the park saw an increase in population of not only
Tigers but also Leopards, Sambars, Langurs, Barking and Spotted Deer,
Gaur, Elephant and the 'Four-horned' antelope. The protected environment
of the park has provided shelter to a number of other mammals. 231
species of birds nest in these forests. Red Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah,
Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested Serpent Eagle are common. The
Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian
Trogon are also found in the reserve. Apart from the large number of
mammals and bird species, the park has a sizeable population of
reptiles, which includes snakes and turtles. The Mugger management
programme has helped the Mugger crocodile to survive and flourish on the
banks of river Khairi.
