India’s 6th Largest Biosphere Reserve- Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Date Established: The Similipal Biosphere Reserve was established as a National Park in 1980. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1994 and added to UNESCO’s list of Biosphere Reserves in May 2009.

Area: The Similipal Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 2,750 km2.

Location: The reserve is located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.

Governing Body: The Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Government of India is the governing body of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve.

Origin of Similipal Biosphere Reserve

• Initially a hunting ground for royalty, Similipal was designated a tiger reserve in 1956 under Project Tiger in 1973. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1979, covering an area of 2,200 square kilometers. In 1980, 303 square kilometers of the sanctuary was designated as a national park. The area of the national park was later expanded to 845.70 square kilometers in 1986.
• In 1994, the Indian government declared Similipal as a biosphere reserve. In May 2009, it was added to UNESCO’s list of Biosphere Reserves.

Location of Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Geographical Position: The Similipal Biosphere Reserve lies within two biogeographical regions – the Mahanadian east coastal region of the Oriental realm and the Chhotanagpur biotic province of the Deccan peninsular zone.

Coordinates: The reserve is located at 21°50′N 86°20′E in northeast India.

The Similipal Biosphere Reserve harbors rich biodiversity owing to its unique location within two distinct biogeographical zones. With over 2750 sq km of protected area, Similipal is an important site for long-term conservation of ecosystems in India.

Geography of Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Rivers

At least 12 rivers cut across the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, draining into the Bay of Bengal. The main rivers are Budhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo.

Mountains

The highest peak is Khairiburu at 1,168 meters, followed by Meghasani at 1,158 meters.

Geographical Features

The reserve is divided into Southern and Northern zones. Key features include highlands like Meghasani and Khariburu, and waterfalls like Barehipani (400 meters high) and Joranda (150 meters high). The terrain is mostly hilly and undulating, rising from the coastal plains to merge with the Chota Nagpur plateau in the north.

The reserve is crisscrossed by perennial streams and rivers, converging to form major rivers that drain into the Bay of Bengal. It also contains two permanent waterfalls that enhance the scenic splendor of the reserve – Barehipani and Joranda.

Fauna/Animals of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Detailed Table of Animal Species

The Similipal Biosphere Reserve harbors rich biodiversity of fauna, including several endangered, endemic and threatened species. Key mammal species found here include the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, chausingha, barking deer, leopard and sloth bear among others.

The reserve is home to 264 bird species such as the Crested Serpent Eagle, Alexandrine Parakeet, Grey Hornbill and Red Junglefowl. 30 species of reptiles including the King Cobra, Mugger crocodile and 60 species of butterflies are also found here.

The forests and grasslands of Similipal provide excellent habitat for this diverse wildlife. Conservation efforts by the government and local communities aim to protect the area’s unique fauna.

Flora of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Forest Type

Similipal Biosphere Reserve in Odisha is made up of Tropical semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous hill forests, high level sal forests.

Detailed Table of Plant Species

The flora of Similipal Biosphere Reserve is exceptionally diverse and includes over 1000 species of plants. Sal is the dominant tree species along with Eucalyptus, Khair and Sisoo. 94 orchid species flourish here, including two endemic orchids – Eria meghasaniensis and Tainia hookeriana.

The area harbors 94 species of orchids and 300 species of medicinal plants. Other flora includes species like Callicarpa arborea, Bombax ceiba, Madhuca longifolia etc. Grasslands and wetlands add to the landscape diversity. This rich flora sustains the wildlife and provides livelihoods to local tribes through collection of timber, seeds and medicinal plants. Conservation of the area’s unique biodiversity remains crucial.

Features of Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Tribal Communities

• Similipal is home to indigenous tribes like the Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias, who practice traditional agricultural activities like collecting seeds and timber.

Conservation Efforts

• Conservation initiatives like the “Mugger Crocodile Management Programme” have helped the mugger crocodile population flourish in Similipal.

Threats

• Similipal faces threats from forest fires, poaching activities, and other human-made causes that impact the forest ecosystem and biodiversity conservation efforts.

The Similipal Biosphere Reserve is a critical protected area in India that conserves endangered flora and fauna while also supporting indigenous tribal communities through traditional livelihood practices. Though it faces some anthropogenic threats, conservation initiatives by governmental and non-governmental bodies aim to preserve Similipal’s ecological integrity for future generations.