The recent initiation of an awareness campaign by the Forest Administration and Self Help Groups (SHGs) to manage fires in Similipal Biosphere Reserve is a hot topic. Additionally, the unveiling of the mystery behind Odisha’s ‘Black Tigers’ in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) by scientists has caught attention lately. This article delves deeper into these occurrences.
About Similipal
Situated in the northern region of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, Similipal is a significant Biosphere Reserve in India. It offers rich biodiversity with its wide range of flora and fauna. The reserve derives its name from the ‘Simul’ (silk cotton) tree, which is prominent within its landscape. After being declared a tiger reserve in 1956, it was included under Project Tiger in 1973, demonstrating its vital role in tiger conservation.
The Government of India recognized Similipal as a biosphere reserve in June 1994. In the succeeding years, it gained further acknowledgement being included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
Moreover, Similipal is a part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve, popularly known as the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, showcasing its importance in elephant conservation as well.
Geographical Coverage and Biological Diversity
Covering a vast area of 4,374 sq km, the biosphere boasts of rich biological diversity. Its landscape includes 845 sq. km of core forest (tiger reserve), 2,129 sq km buffer area, and 1,400 sq km of transition space.
There are more than 1,076 flowering species and 96 species of orchids encompassed within Similipal. It houses diverse vegetation types including tropical semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, and dry deciduous hill forests.
Two tribes, the Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias, inhabit the reserve’s forests, engaging in traditional agricultural activities that have persisted over centuries. The coexistence of humans and nature here reveals a unique socio-ecological setup within the reserve.
Wildlife
Similipal is recognized worldwide for its vast animal species count. It is home to tigers and elephants along with 304 species of birds, 20 species of amphibians, and 62 species of reptiles.
Forest Fires: Causes and Resolution
Despite its ecological importance, Similipal is susceptible to forest fires. Natural causes such as lightning or soaring temperatures often result in forest fires. Additionally, man-made factors contribute as well. These include instances of poaching and hunting wherein poachers deliberately set fire to a small patch of the forest to divert wild animals.
Mitigation strategies are in place to address these issues. They include forecasting fire-prone days, involving community members in mitigating fire incidents, creating fire lines, clearing dried biomass, and cracking down on poachers.
Other Major Protected Areas in Odisha
Odisha houses other significant protected areas including Bhitarkanika National Park, Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS, Hadgarh WLS, and more. These protected areas, similar to Similipal, are vital for maintaining the biological diversity and ecological balance within the state.
