Simlipal National Park

Simlipal National Park In Odisha, India

Simlipal National Park, located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India, is one of the largest and most significant wildlife reserves in the country. Covering an expansive area of approximately 2,750 square kilometers, Simlipal is part of the larger Simlipal Biosphere Reserve, which spans over 5,500 square kilometers. It was declared a tiger reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger, a national initiative to protect the declining tiger population, and later attained the status of a national park in 1980.

In 2009, UNESCO recognized Simlipal as a part of its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, highlighting its immense ecological and conservation value. The name “Simlipal” is derived from the abundance of Simul (silk cotton) trees found in the region, which bloom with bright red flowers and add to the park’s natural beauty.

The landscape of Simlipal National Park is a mix of dense forests, open grasslands, rolling meadows, and picturesque waterfalls, making it one of the most visually stunning wildlife reserves in India.

The park is also home to several rivers, including the Budhabalanga, Khairi, and Deo, which enhance the park’s scenic charm while providing water sources for wildlife. Flora and Fauna of Simlipal National Park Simlipal is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is primarily covered by deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, with sal, mahua, mango, jamun, banyan, and bamboo trees dominating the landscape.

It also has a rich variety of medicinal plants and rare orchids, making it a crucial site for botanical research. The park is renowned for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers, making it an important part of India’s tiger conservation efforts. Alongside tigers, Simlipal is home to other large carnivores such as leopards, wild dogs (dholes), and wolves. The herbivore population includes Asian elephants, sambar deer, barking deer, gaurs (Indian bison), and chitals.

One of the most unique species found in Simlipal is the melanistic tiger, a rare genetic variant that has a distinctive blackish coat due to excessive pigmentation. Apart from mammals, Simlipal also supports a diverse range of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Over 230 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including peafowls, hornbills, eagles, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and parakeets.

Several species of snakes, including the king cobra and Indian python, are also found here, along with various lizards and turtles. The park’s rivers and water bodies support crocodiles and other aquatic life, making it a well-balanced ecosystem.

Flora And Fauna

• Tiger
• Leopard
• Asian Elephant
• Sambar