By: Rusiraj Pattanayak
This sprawling ecosystem, thanks to the mega conservation efforts, has close to a 100 Royal Bengal tigers. Other mammalian species like leopards, sambhars, langurs, deer, gaur (Indian bison), elephants, antelopes, chitals, chevrotains, wild dog, wild boar, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas and porcupines are also found in Simlipal, under the district of Mayurbhanj, the unfathomed land of Odisha.
There are around 230 species of birds in these forests. The ones officially recorded include the red jungle fowl, hill myna, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle, gray hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian trogon. Most of these bird species may be spotted in the park’s Nawana area. There is a sizable population of reptiles as well, which include snakes and turtles. The population of crocodiles has increased considerably since the inception of the Mugger Management Program.
Simlipal National Park is a floral treasure as well. It has close to 501 species of plants belonging to 102 families. Eighty-two species of orchids have already been identified here along with the omnipresent sal trees. Innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants are found as well that are a source of earnings for the local tribal population.
A panoramic view of the park can be enjoyed from Barheipani (1308 ft.) region. The most beautiful and scenic waterfalls of the park are found here and at Joranda (493 ft.).
Images: J. D. Pati