Simlipal Biosphere Reserve - Introduction, Location

  • Simlipal is a protected area which comes under the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve attained this status in 2009.
  • Simlipal National Park is located in the state of Odisha in Mayurbhanj district.
  • Simlipal National Park derived its name from the abundant availability of red silk cotton trees growing in the area.
  • Simlipal National Park is also a Tiger Reserve.
  • Simlipal National Park covers an area of 2,750 square Km.
  • Simlipal National Park is also part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve which includes Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Similipal Tiger Reserve.
  • This national park was established in 1980.
  • The Governing body of this biosphere reserve is the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

Similipal Biosphere Reserve – Wildlife

  • The Simlipal National Park has 30 species of reptiles.
  • The Simlipal National Park has recorded 242 species of birds.
  • The Simlipal National Park hosts a total of 42 species of mammals.
  • Some of the most commonly found birds in the Simlipal National Park are the Crested Serpent Eagle, Alexandrine parakeet, peafowl, hill mynah, and Red junglefowl.
  • Some of the most commonly found major mammals in Simlipal National Park are common langur, giant squirrel, chausingha (four horned antelope), wild boar, jungle cat, gaur, barking deer, sambar, Asian elephant, leopard and tiger.

Similipal Biosphere Reserve History – Creation of Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park and Biosphere Reserve

  • In 2009, UNESCO added this national park in its list of biosphere reserves.
  • In 1994, the Government of India declared Simlipal as a biosphere reserve.
  • In 1979, the Simlipal was declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Odisha.
  • The area demarcated was 2,200 square kilometres.
  • The area of the national park was increased to around 800 square kilometres in 1986.
  • Initially, 303 square kilometres of the sanctuary was declared as a national park by the Government of Odisha in 1980.

Frequently Asked Questions on Simlipal Biosphere Reserve

Q1

In which state is Simlipal Biosphere Reserve?

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve is located in the state of Odisha in Mayurbhanj district.

Q2

Which is the 1st biosphere reserve in India?

Nilgiri is the first biosphere reserve in India. It was notified in 1986.

Q3

Why is Similipal famous?

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Red silk cotton trees grow in Similipal in abundance, the name of this national park is derived from this.

Related Links
CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora & Fauna IUCN Red List – Objectives, Categories, List of Critically Endangered Species in India 2021
IUCN Indian Crocodiles & World Crocodile Day Biodiversity Hotspots in India – Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats & Sundaland
Tiger Conservation in India – Project Tiger, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Critical Tiger Habitats Biodiversity – Species, Genetics & Ecosystem Biodiversity [UPSC Notes]
Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserves and National Park Environment And Ecology Notes For UPSC – Environment Notes For IAS Preparation

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