Wildlife in Orissa

The State Wildlife Organisation came into being in 1974 as a sequel to adoption of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on 14 August 1974; and promulgation of the Wildlife (Protection) (Orissa) Rules, 1974. The Conservator of Forests, Development Circle was designated as the Ex-Officio Chief Wildlife Warden, Orissa. In the year 1976, a distinct Wildlife Organisation was constituted with the Chief Wildlife Warden being posted in the rank of Conservator of Forests.

The present Wildlife Organisation headed by Additional Principal Chief Conservator Forest (Wildlife) has a Field Director, Tiger Reserve; a Director, Nandankanan Zoo; a Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)

In order to provide proper protection to the wildlife and their habitat, a total of 18 sanctuaries (Protected Areas) including Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary, one National Park (Bhitarkanikaj, one proposed National Park have been notified under the provisions of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

These Protected Areas constitute 10.37% of the total forest area and 4.1% of the total geographical area of the state. Besides, one Tiger Reserve (Similipal), one Biosphere Reserve (Similipal), one closed area (Chilika), one Game/Wildlife Reserve (Bppadar - Bhetnoi), one Zoological Park and 8 deer parks (mini zoos) have been notified for both in-situ and ex-situ conservation and management of wildlife.

Simlipal National Park, is a pulsating tropical forest with hills and rich valleys, its sylvan glory on red and saffron soil, its playful brooks and amid rocky glens, its perennial rivers with crystal pools, cascading rapids and gorgeous falls, and its azure blue sky are unmistakably picturesque and awe-inspiring. The perennial water regime owes itself to the unique geological and geomorphologic qualities, unique in the country.

The National Park receives 2500 millimeters of rain annually and its summer stands humbled by its verdure. Winters are severe and its valleys are subject to deep pool frost. Varying soils and moisture regimes join up to generate biomic compositions ranging from semi-evergreen to dry deciduous forests. Besides tiger, leopard and wild dog, other notable fauna of Simlipal includes elephants, sambar, muntjac, gaur, wild pig, chital, chousinga, mouse deer, giant squirrel, pangolin, langur, rhesus macaque, large pied hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, spur fowl, mugger and python. Hyena, jackal and vultures make up the scavenging contingent.

Simlipal tiger reserve is another wildlife reserve in Orissa that came under the umbrella of Project Tiger in 1973. It encompasses an area of 2750 square kilometers out of which the core area is 845.70 square kilometers. In 1972 there were said to be 17 tigers but the 1992 census estimates 95 tigers. Over 22 species of mammals, 220 species of birds and several varieties of reptiles share this forest with the tiger.

The bio diversity of the Simlipal Tiger Reserve is astounding. Its large tracts of forest under Sal are broken intermittently by grassy meadows, which support a healthy population of herbivores. Orchids abound here amidst the semi-evergreens, even though winters are severe when frosty conditions prevail. Perhaps a dozen rivers, stocked with rich aquatic life, cut through the land, some forming impressive falls as they wind their way eastward.