Context:
Odisha Government notified Similipal Tiger Reserve as a National Park
National Park:
- An area, whether within a sanctuary or not, given the highest protection to conserve its wildlife and environment by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological importance.
- No human activity is permitted inside the national park, except for the ones permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state.
- Under the Forest Right Act of 2006, certain tribal groups are permitted to live inside the National Parks.
- Notified by the State Governments under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Once notified, no alteration of the boundaries can be done by the State Government, except on a recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife.
Similipal Forest:
- Location – Odisha
- Named after the ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree.
- Designated as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.
- Part of UNESCO’s list of Biosphere Reserve.
- Nearby river – Burhabalanga and Deo
- Forest type – Tropical moist deciduous forests.
- Inhabited by indigenous tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, and Sahara.
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
(d) Sundarbans
Answer: (c)