National Parks in Odisha

Odisha is an Indian state in the eastern section of the country. Odisha is known for its beautiful forests, mountains, valleys, and wildlife. Odisha’s national parks are not only distinctive but also a nature lover’s dream.

Odisha has a unique character and separates itself from other states by covering a bigger area of thick forest and harbouring diversified biodiversity. Forests cover around one-third of Odisha, with eighteen sanctuaries, including two national parks in Odisha. 

Odisha is blessed by Mother Nature, from royal Bengal tigers to endangered turtles, from diverse species of migratory birds to muggers, from Asian elephants to spotted deer. The national animal of Orissa is the elephant.

National parks are areas that are solely dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity and where activities such as development, forestry, poaching, hunting, and grazing on agriculture are strictly prohibited. Bhitarkanika National Park and Simlipal National Park are two of Odisha’s national parks.

Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika is India’s second-biggest sustainable mangrove ecosystem, located in the estuary region of the Brahmani-Baitarani rivers in the north-eastern portion of the Kendrapara district of Orissa. A network of waterways connects this vast expanse of mangrove forests and wetlands to the Bay of Bengal to the east. It is home to 215 bird species, including wetland migrants from Central Asia and Europe, threatening saltwater or estuarine crocodiles, and various other animals, including spotted deer, hyenas, fish cats, leopard cats, and large monitor lizards.

The Brahmani-Baitarani Delta, backwaters, estuaries, and streams make up the National Park, covering 672 square kilometres. It is regarded as one of India’s most beautiful national parks. The park is home to over 215 bird species, the Giant Saltwater Crocodile, and other animals such as the Water Monitor Lizard, King Cobra, and the Indian Python.

Bhitarkanika has a long and illustrious history and culture. It was once the hunting grounds of Kanika’s erstwhile King.In 1975, just 90 crocodiles were found in this region. Their total number now stands at 1,742. Because hunting was outlawed, the number of deer climbed to over 5,000. The sanctuary is recognized for its variety of reptiles, particularly crocodiles. Still, it also draws a plethora of migrant species such as the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Asian OpenBill, Black Ibis, Egrets, and Darters, among others. This Odisha national park is known for hosting a 23-foot-long crocodile. It is also home to a 19.8-foot-long estuarine crocodile skeleton, which is a Guinness World Record. At Dangmal, a museum and a hatchery have been built.

In August 2002, the area was also classified as the state’s second Ramsar site. It is a unique location with abundant biodiversity since it encompasses a variety of habitats, including the mainland, deltaic tidal water bodies, estuaries, territorial seas of the Bay of Bengal, and their accompanying flora and fauna. Because of its reputation as hosting one of the world’s greatest nesting and breeding congregations of Olive Ridley Sea turtles, Bhitarkanika’s famed Gahirmatha Coast has a significant place on the turtle map of the globe.

The migratory birds arrive towards the end of June and stay in the Bagagahan heronry until November, when they begin to migrate away. The Asian Open Stork is the most well-known of the stork species. Bill storks flock here in large numbers, and some stay for the rest of their lives. Other birds seen in large numbers include egrets, black ibis, cormorants, darters, parakeets, and kingfishers.

Since 1998, the centre of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary has been designated as Bhitarkanika National Park. This covers an area of 145 square kilometres. Mangrove forests, rivers, streams, backwaters, estuaries, and saltwater crocodiles are all found in this area, which is rich in natural features. One of the largest estuary crocodiles may be seen in this Odisha National Park.

Simlipal National Park

The thick biosphere reserve is a sanctuary and one of India’s Tiger Projects and National Parks, covering a wide area of 2750 sq km, of which 303 sq km is in the core region. It is suited to various flora and animals, with a wide range of rainfall and leaf types ranging from deciduous to lush green woods. This plateau is home to around 1076 mammalian species, 29 reptile species, and 231 bird species.

The park has an area of 845.70 sq. km. In the year 1980, it was designated as a National Park. Joranda and Barehipani are two stunning waterfalls in the park. In the state of Orissa, the park has the greatest tiger population. The Park is home to 55 species of mammals, 304 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles, 21 species of frogs, 38 species of fish, and 164 species of butterflies.

With 1076 plant species from 102 distinct families, the Simlipal Reserve is a botanical treasure trove. There are 96 orchid species in Odisha’s semi-evergreen forests, including tropical wet broadleaf forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous hill forests, and high-level Sal forests. They make up the bulk of the state’s semi-evergreen forests.

Simlipal is a diverse habitat with forest vegetation (mostly sal trees), animals, and Santhal tribal communities nearby. The forest is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the tallest of which is the Mangesheri. At least 12 rivers crisscross the plain. Budhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi, and Deo are among the most prominent. There are several waterfalls in this expansive forest, which are a constant draw for tourists. It has survived two cyclones, one in 1982 and the other in 1999, with no irreversible damage and continues to captivate tourists.

The Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve contains the Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. The profusion of red silk cotton trees in the region inspired the Simlipal National Park. It is the eighth biggest national park in India. The park is home to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaur, and Chausingha. This protected area has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009. The national animal of Odisha, Asian elephants, are found in abundance in these areas.

Conclusion

Odisha has various national parks and animal sanctuaries, including bird sanctuaries, and is known for its rich history and culture. The national animal of Odisha and other wildlife wonders are a major attraction of these parks. Migratory birds flock to the state because of the gorgeous mangroves and lush woods entangled in rivers and streams. Orissa is a unique combination of woods, hills, and lakes that is more than simply temples and historical artefacts. The region’s broad combination of geographical areas has resulted in a diverse range of flora and fauna.