National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha
Odisha is home to a variety of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that protect the state’s rich wildlife and plant life. These special areas help preserve animals and their natural habitats.
Here are some important ones:
- Simlipal National Park: A large park known for its diverse wildlife.
- Bhitarkanika National Park: Famous for its mangrove forests and saltwater crocodiles.
- Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the western part of Odisha.
- Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary: Part of the Simlipal National Park, known for its tigers and elephants.
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its coastal forest and variety of animals.
- Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the southern part of Odisha, known for its unique wildlife.
Purpose of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are special places where wildlife is protected. They are important because:
- Protection: They keep animals safe from harm and help keep their homes (habitats) healthy.
- Development: They help in growing and maintaining the natural environment for plants and animals.
Table: Important National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha
| Name | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Simlipal National Park | National Park | Diverse wildlife, large area |
| Bhitarkanika National Park | National Park | Mangrove forests, saltwater crocodiles |
| Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Sanctuary | Western Odisha, various wildlife |
| Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Sanctuary | Tigers, elephants, part of Simlipal NP |
| Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Sanctuary | Coastal forest, variety of animals |
| Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Sanctuary | Southern Odisha, unique wildlife |
Key Points
- National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are protected areas for animals and plants.
- They help keep wildlife safe and support their natural habitats.
This helps make sure animals and plants in Odisha can thrive and live in their natural environment.
National Parks of Odisha
A national park is a reserved area of natural land owned by the government, restricted from encroachment and development. Odisha has two National Parks, as reported by the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Centre on Wildlife and Protected Areas, Government of India. These are:
1. Bhitarkanika National Park
- Location: North-East of Kendrapara district
- Established: 1998
- Area: 145 sq km
- Features: Surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary; one of five marine protected areas in Odisha.
- Flora: Sundari, Thespia, Teak, Salaia, Bamboo, Babool, Palas, Indigo bush.
- Fauna: Crocodile, white crocodile, Indian python, king cobra, black ibis, and various other species.
2. Simlipal National Park
- Location: Mayurbhanj district, 320 km from Bhubaneswar
- Established: 1980
- Area: 845.70 sq km
- Features: Tiger reserve, sanctuary, and biosphere reserve; twelve rivers flow through the park.
- Flora: Northern tropical semi-evergreen trees, Northern tropical moist deciduous trees, orchids; savannas and grasslands.
- Fauna: Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur (Indian bison), four-horned antelope, deer, leopard, bear, spotted deer, barking deer, sambars, langurs.
- Attractions: Joranda (150 m) and Barehipani (400 m) waterfalls.
Wildlife Sanctuaries of Odisha
A wildlife sanctuary is an area protected to preserve wildlife, with limited human activity allowed. Odisha has 19 wildlife sanctuaries:
1. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Sambalpur district
- Established: 1962
- Area: 304.03 sq km
- Flora: Moist sal forests, sal-dominated mixed deciduous forests, bamboo forests.
- Fauna: Tiger, elephant, leopard, hyena, bison, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar deer, bear, porcupine, various birds and reptiles.
2. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Estuarine region of Brahmani-Baitarani rivers, Kendrapara district
- Established: 1975
- Area: 525 sq km
- Features: Mangrove forests, tidal creeks; nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles.
- Fauna: Saltwater crocodile (endangered), hyena, fishing cat, jungle cat, civet, Indian porcupine, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, stork, Asian open bill, egrets, black ibis, cormorants, darters.
3. Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Angul district, extending into Boudh and Cuttack districts
- Established: 1976
- Area: 745.52 sq km
- Flora: Mixed deciduous forests, sal and riverine forests.
- Fauna: Gharials, elephant, leopard, gaur, black bear, slow loris, musk deer, wild goat, Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque.
- Attractions: Satkosia Gorge, Gharial Research and Conservation Unit at Tikarapada, hill slopes, trekking routes, boating.
4. Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Mayurbhanj district
- Established: 1979
- Area: 1354 sq km
- Flora: Sal forests, semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests.
- Fauna: Tigers, elephants, panthers, gaurs, pangolins, four-horned antelopes, red jungle fowl, crested serpent eagle, grey hornbill, peafowl, Indian hill myna.
5. Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Khurda district, Chandaka forests
- Established: 1979
- Area: 14.16 sq km
- Features: Conservation breeding centre for Indian pangolins; highest collection of white tigers globally.
- Fauna: Asiatic lion, Indian crocodiles, lions, tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer.
6. Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Nayagarh district
- Established: 1981
- Area: 168.35 sq km
- Features: Proximity to Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary
- Flora: Mixed deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, moist Peninsular sal forests.
- Fauna: Elephants, tigers, leopards, water birds, various reptiles.
7. Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Khurda and Cuttack districts
- Established: 1982
- Area: 175.79 sq km
- Flora: Moist semi-evergreen forests, moist Kangada forests, coastal sal forests, thorny bamboo forests, planted teak, scrub, orchids.
- Fauna: Indian elephant, leopard, chital, barking deer, mouse deer, wild pig, common langur, small Indian civet, pangolin, sloth bear, hyena, peafowl, red jungle fowl, crested serpent eagle.
8. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Puri district, along sea coast between Puri and Konark
- Established: 1984
- Area: 71.72 sq km
- Features: Ideal habitat for the Chousingha; rich wildlife and Hirakud reservoir.
- Fauna: Black buck, spotted deer, monkey, squirrel, jungle cat, hyena, mongoose, various birds and reptiles.
9. Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: East coast of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts
- Established: 1987
- Area: 15.53 sq km
- Features: Submerged during monsoon; island in Chilika lake; home to endangered Irrawady dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins.
- Fauna: Black buck, spotted deer, jungle cat, fox, golden jackals, hyena, various bird species. Sanctuary has about 160 species of fish.
10. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Nuapada district
- Established: 1988
- Area: 500 sq km
- Features: Adjoins Sitanadi and Udanti Sanctuaries of Chhattisgarh; eleven waterfalls and seasonal streams.
- Fauna: Swamp deer, wild water buffalo, tiger, leopard, hyena, gaur, barking and spotted deer, nilgai.
- Birds: Around 200 species including hill myna, peafowl, partridge; numerous reptilian species.
11. Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Kendrapara district
- Established: 1997
- Area: 1435 sq km
- Features: World’s largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
- Flora: Bel, tendu, hiwar, palas, sal, dhawda, babool, teak, bamboo.
- Fauna: Wild boar, bear, barking deer, leopard, jungle fowl, crocodile, sambar, hyena, wild dog, four-horned antelope, chinkara.
Wildlife Reserves in Odisha
Wildlife reserves are protected areas managed for conservation and research, focusing on specific species. Major wildlife reserves in Odisha are:
1. Simlipal Tiger Reserve
- Location: Mayurbhanj district
- Established: 1956
- Area: 2750 sq km
- Features: Part of the first phase of Project Tiger in 1973. Increased tiger population.
- Flora: 1,352 plant species, including 94 orchid species.
- Fauna: Leopard, sambar, langur, deer, gaur, elephant, antelope, wild dog, wild boar, sloth bear, monkey, hyena, porcupine.
2. Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve
- Location: Borders of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Keonjhar districts
- Established: 2001
- Area: 3,214 sq km
- Features: Includes Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary; primarily for elephants.
- Attractions: Hadgarh Sanctuary, Hadgarh reservoir on Salandi river.
3. Mahanadi Elephant Reserve
- Location: Borders of Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Dhenkanal districts
- Established: 2002
- Area: 1,038 sq km
- Features: Includes portions of Angul, Athagarh, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Boudh, and Dhenkanal forest divisions, Satkosi Wildlife Division, Mahanadi Wildlife Division, and Athamalik forest division.
4. Sambalpur Elephant Reserve
- Location: Sambalpur, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda districts
- Established: 2002
- Area: 427 sq km
- Features: Part of Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary; includes Bamra, Bonai, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Rairakhol forest divisions.
5.Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Location and Size:
- Where: Central Odisha, covering Cuttack, Nayagarh, Angul, and Boudh districts.
- Area: 963.87 sq km.
- When Established: 2007.
- Includes: Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Features:
- Wildlife:
- Endangered Species: Gharial crocodiles, mugger crocodiles.
- Other Fauna: Leopards, wild dogs, nilgai, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, bears, jackals, porcupines, Indian hares, giant squirrels.
- Birds: Hornbills, peafowls, kingfishers, cormorants, river terns, owls, mynas, bar-headed geese, Indian skimmers.
- Flora: Moist deciduous forests, dry mixed deciduous forests, bamboo brakes, dry tropical riparian forests, teak plantations.
- Elephants: Around 155 elephants; also part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve.
Biodiversity in Odisha
Odisha has a rich diversity of plants and animals. Here’s an overview:
1. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Mayurbhanj district.
- Size: 4,374 sq km.
- Established: 1994.
- Flora: Tropical semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, grasslands, savannahs.
- Fauna: Elephants, tigers, leopards, four-horned antelopes.
- Birds: Red-breasted falconet, grey-headed fishing eagle, white-eared bulbul.
2. Western Odisha Region
- Features: Includes Gandhamardan forests and the Hirakud Dam reservoir.
- Flora: Shorea terminalia trees, medicinal plants.
- Forests: Semi-evergreen, dry deciduous, bamboo forests, scrub woodlands.
3. Bhitarkanika Mangrove
- Location: Delta regions of Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers.
- Size: 3,000 sq km.
- Features: Second-largest mangrove forest in India.
- Flora: Mangroves, sea grasses, phytoplankton.
- Fauna: King cobras, kraits, pythons, saltwater crocodiles, olive ridley sea turtles.
- Aquatic Mammals: Gangetic dolphins, Humpback dolphins, Irrawady dolphins, little Indian tortoises.
4. Chilika Lagoon
- Location: East coast of Odisha.
- Size: 900 to 1,165 sq km.
- Established as Ramsar Site: 1981.
- Features: Largest brackish water lagoon in Asia.
- Flora: Mangroves, phytoplankton, sea grasses.
- Fauna: Migratory waterfowl, Chilika crabs, prawns, various fish.
read more – forest of odisha
List of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserves
| Type | Name | Established | Area (sq km) | Districts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Park | Simlipal National Park | 1980 | 845.70 | Mayurbhanj |
| Bhitarkanika National Park | 1988 | 145 | Kendrapara | |
| Wildlife Sanctuary | Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary | 1962 | 304.03 | Sambalpur |
| Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary | 1975 | 525 | Kendrapara | |
| Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary | 1976 | 745.52 | Angul, Boudh, Cuttack | |
| Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1978 | 191.06 | Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj | |
| Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary | 1979 | 14.16 | Khurda | |
| Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary | 1979 | 1,354.30 | Mayurbhanj | |
| Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary | 1981 | 168.35 | Nayagarh | |
| Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1981 | 399.50 | Phulbani | |
| Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary | 1982 | 175.79 | Khurda, Cuttack | |
| Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary | 1982 | 116 | Sambalpur | |
| Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary | 1984 | 71.72 | Puri | |
| Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary | 1984 | 272.75 | Balasore | |
| Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1985 | 346.91 | Sambalpur | |
| Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary | 1985 | 185.87 | Gajapati | |
| Chilika (Nalabana) Wildlife Sanctuary | 1987 | 15.53 | Khurda, Puri, Ganjam | |
| Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary | 1988 | 500 | Nuapada | |
| Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary | 1992 | 147.66 | Kalahandi | |
| Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary | 1997 | 1,435 | Kendrapara | |
| Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary | – | 125.50 | Dhenkanal | |
| Wildlife Reserve | Simlipal Tiger Reserve | 1956 | 2,750 | Mayurbhanj |
| Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve | 2001 | 3,214 | Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar | |
| Mahanadi Elephant Reserve | 2002 | 1,038.30 | Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhanal, Dhenkanal | |
| Sambalpur Elephant Reserve | 2002 | 47 | Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda | |
| Satkosia Tiger Reserve | 2007 | 963.87 | Cuttack, Nayagarh, Angul, Boudh |
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Location and Size:
- Where: Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Area: 4.006 sq km.
- Established: 1960.
- Nearby: Chandaka forests and Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Key Features:
- Gharial Breeding Centre: First in India; gharials born in captivity in 1980.
- Membership: First zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009.
- Wildlife:
- Mammals: 67 species.
- Reptiles: 18 species.
- Birds: 81 species.
- Saltwater Lake: Kania Lake, covering 66 hectares, attracts migratory birds such as whistling teal, cotton teal, darter, purple moorhen, herons, and jacana.
- Botanical Garden: Located across Kania Lake.
Attractions:
- Orchid House: Over 5,000 sq feet (460 sq m) of space with around 130 species of orchids in Odisha.
- White Tigers: Home to over 34 white tigers.
- Reptile Park: Features various crocodiles, lizards, turtles, and snakes.
- Endangered Animals: Asiatic lions, Indian crocodiles, Sangal lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, Indian pangolins, mouse deer, and more are successfully bred here.
- Aquaria: 34 aquaria showcasing a variety of freshwater fish.
Government Initiatives for Wildlife Conservation
1. Project Tiger
- Started: 1973.
- Focus: Tiger conservation.
- In Odisha: Simlipal is a key location; also works to increase the white tiger population. Nandankanan Zoological Park has the largest collection of white tigers in India.
2. Odisha Wildlife Organisation
- Established: 1974.
- Objective: Encourage local participation in wildlife conservation and preserve natural habitats.
3. Crocodile Conservation Programme
- Started: 1974-75.
- Focus: Conservation of crocodile populations, including the endangered saltwater crocodile.
- Success: Notable growth in Bhitarkanika Sanctuary and breeding centers at Nandankanan, Ramatirtha, and Satkosia Gorge.
4. Sea Turtle Conservation
- Started: 1976.
- Focus: Protect Olive Ridley sea turtles, which are endangered due to limited nesting sites.
- Significance: Odisha coast is a major nesting ground for about 50% of the global population. Nesting sites include Gahirmatha beach and Satabhaya in Bhitarkanika.
- Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary: Established in 1997 for sea turtle conservation. Major turtle conservation sites are Gahirmatha (Dhamra river mouth), Devi, and Rushikulya river.
5. Project Elephant
- Started: 1991.
- Focus: Protection of elephants.
- Elephant Reserves: Established in 2001 and 2002, including Mayurbhanj, Mahanadi, and Sambalpur Elephant Reserves.
FAQs
1. How many National Parks are there in Odisha?
Answer: 2
2. Bhitarkanika National Park is located in which district of Odisha?
Answer: Kendrapara
3. Bhitarkanika National Park came into existence in which year?
Answer: 1998
4. Simlipal National Park is located in which district of Odisha?
Answer: Mayurbhanj
5. Which wildlife sanctuary of Odisha is a tiger reserve, biosphere reserve, and national park?
Answer: Simlipal
6. Which wildlife sanctuary is also known as ‘Ushakothi Sanctuary’?
Answer: Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Bhitarkanika was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in which year?
Answer: 1975
8. The wildlife sanctuary around Satkosia Gorge gets water from which river in Odisha?
Answer: Mahanadi
9. Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which districts?
Answer: Khurda and Cuttack
10. Which wildlife sanctuary is located along the sea coast of Odisha?
Answer: Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
11. Which sanctuary is also known as Nalabana Bird Sanctuary?
Answer: Chilika
12. Birds Island is a part of which sanctuary of Odisha?
Answer: Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary
13. Which wildlife sanctuary in Odisha adjoins Udanti Sanctuary of Chhattisgarh?
Answer: Sunabeda
14. Which is the only marine sanctuary in Odisha?
Answer: Gahirmatha
15. Which sanctuary is the world’s largest nesting beach of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles?
Answer: Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary
16. Simlipal Tiger Reserve came into existence in which year?
Answer: 1956
17. The Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve includes which protected areas of Odisha?
Answer: Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Simlipal Tiger Reserve, and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
18. Mahanadi Elephant Reserve is located in which districts of Odisha?
Answer: Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh
19. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve was notified by the Government of India in which year?
Answer: 1994
20. Bhitarkanika Mangrove was designated as a Ramsar Site in which year?
Answer: 2002
21. The word ‘Nandankanan’ literally means what?
Answer: Garden of Pleasure
22. Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar is located along the bank of which lake?
Answer: Kania
23. Odisha Wildlife Organisation came into existence in which year?
Answer: 1974
24. Ramatirtha Conservation Centre runs a conservation programme for which endangered species?
Answer: Crocodile
25. Why are Olive Ridley Turtles considered endangered?
Answer: Due to their few remaining nesting sites, and their peculiar behavior of synchronized nesting known as ‘Arribada’.
