SIMILIPAL SEEKS MORE FEMALE TIGERS FROM OTHER REGION

Why in the news?

Odisha urges the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to introduce female tigers from different regions to increase genetic diversity.

Highlighting Tiger Population Report:

  • Population Data:The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-24 reports 30 tigers in Odisha, with STR hosting the largest share, including all adult female tigers in the state.
  • Specific Concerns: Of the Similipal Tiger Reserve(STR) tigers, approximately 37% are pseudo-melanistic tigers(almost black), a result of inbreeding, according to experts.
  • Movement Patterns: Similipal’s tigers exhibit isolated movement patterns despite having extensive contiguous forest areas.
source:upscyard
About the Similipal Tiger Reserve:

●   Geographic Position: Similipal is situated in the northern part of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, India.

●   Derived Name: The name “Similipal” originates from the ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree found in the region.

●   Size and Waterfalls: Joranda and Barehipani.

●   Designated as both a national park and a Tiger Reserve.

●   the highest peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above sea level).

International Recognition:

●   UNESCO Network: Similipal is integrated into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, acknowledging its global ecological importance.

●   Elephant Reserve: Forms part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve, renowned as the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.