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Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Context:

Recently the Forest Administration and SHGs (Self Help Groups) have started an awareness Campaign to manage fires in Similipal Biosphere Reserve this year.

Relevance:

GS III- Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the article:
  1. About Similipal Biosphere Reserve
  2. Other Major Protected Areas in Odisha
About Similipal Biosphere Reserve
  • The Similipal Biosphere Reserve was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956, and later on in 1994- it was declared as a biosphere reserve by the Government.
  • It has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve since 2009.
  • It is situated in the northern part of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. Geographically, it lies in the eastern end of the eastern ghat.
  • Vegetation of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve includes tropical semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous hill forests, high level sal forests and sprawling meadows.
  • Similipal is home to a wide range of wild animals including tigers and elephants, besides more than 300 species of birds, more than 100 species of flowering plants.
  • It is part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes 3 protected areas i.e., Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadagarh Wildlife sanctuary and Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary.
  • Two tribes, the Erenga Kharias and the Mankirdias, inhabit the reserve’s forests and practise traditional agricultural activities (the collection of seeds and timber).
  • Natural causes such as lighting or even soaring temperatures can sometimes result in forest fires here.
  • Instances of poaching and hunting wherein the poachers set a small patch of forest on fire to divert the wild animals, can lead to forest fires.

Other Major Protected Areas in Odisha

  • Bhitarkanika National Park
  • Badrama WLS
  • Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS
  • Hadgarh WLS
  • Baisipalli WLS
  • Kotagarh WLS
  • Nandankanan WLS
  • Lakhari Valley WLS
  • Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS

-Source: Indian Express

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