Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in district Mayurbhanj Odisha designated as India’s 107th National Park on April 24, 2025.

• It becomes Odisha’s second national park after Bhitarkanika.

Key Features

• Flora and Fauna:
  • 40 Royal Bengal Tigers, including melanistic (pseudo-melanistic) tigers.
  • 25% of Odisha’s elephant population.
  • Over 360 bird species, diverse mammals (leopards, sambar), mugger crocodiles.
  • 104 orchid species, many endemic.
  • Forest types: Sal forests, moist deciduous, and semi-evergreen.

Special Distinction: Only natural habitat of wild melanistic tigers (pseudo-melanistic with dark coats).

Conservation and Protection Measures

• Similipal is already recognized as:
  • Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Project Tiger Reserve
  • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
  • Elephant Reserve
• The national park area will be “rights-free” – no human activities allowed.
• The remaining area (~2,750 sq.km total) remains a wildlife sanctuary.

Significance

• Strengthens ecological conservation.
• Supports tribal aspirations.
• Reinforces commitment to sustainable development under “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Odisha” vision.

Additional Reading: List of National Parks