About Similipal National Park:
- It is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
- The park is named after the Simul (silk cotton) tree, which grows in abundance here.
- Not only a National Park, Similipal is also a Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, and also a part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.
- Situated in the Deccan Peninsular Bio-geographic Zone, it harbours a unique blend of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and eastern Himalayan biodiversity.
- It has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.
- It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini.
- It is also home to various tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
- Vegetation: The forest is predominantly moist mixed deciduous forest with tropical semi-evergreen forest in areas with suitable microclimatic conditions and sporadic patches of dry deciduous forests and grasslands.
- Flora:
- Sal is the dominant tree species here.
- The park also has extensive grasslands that are grazing grounds for many of the herbivores.
- Fauna:
- It is known for the tiger, elephant, and hill mynah.
- It holds the highest tiger population in Odisha.
- It is the only tiger reserve in the country to boast of melanistic tigers.
- Apart from the tiger, the major mammals are the leopard, sambar, barking deer, gaur, jungle cat, wild boar, four-horned antelope, giant squirrel, and common langur.
