 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, 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.
Flora
The
Simlipal national 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.
Fauna
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 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.
Climate
During 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. |
