February 24th 2025.
The beautiful Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district has been a topic of conversation lately, as the Forest department officials and experts have observed a promising increase in the Royal Bengal Tiger population. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of these majestic creatures in the reserve will surpass 60. This is due to various factors, including the active marking and movement of the tigers in the core area, and an increase in incidents of them preying on livestock in the surrounding villages, as shared by the officials.
The state government survey of Odisha has revealed that Similipal sanctuary is currently home to the highest number of Royal Bengal Tigers in the state. Out of the 30 tigers in Odisha, 27 of them reside in Similipal, including 14 females and 13 males. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has also recognized Similipal as a crucial region for tiger breeding, and efforts for their conservation are being accelerated.
A recent sighting of a melanistic tiger in the Talabandh Range of the North Division of the reserve has caused quite a stir. This big cat has reportedly preyed on over 10 cattle in four different locations, causing a state of panic among the people in nearby villages. The tiger was spotted in the Nedam area under the Sorishapal Panchayat, creating quite a buzz.
According to the tiger census data from the NTCA, there has been a steady rise in the number of tigers in the reserve. In 2014, only four tigers were recorded, which increased to eight in 2018, and then doubled to 16 in 2022. The latest survey in 2024 by the state government has recorded 27 tigers. The forest officials are confident that if this trend continues, the numbers will reach 40 by 2026, and potentially 60-70 by 2030.
Dr. Prakash Chand Gogineni, the Regional Chief Wildlife Warden and Field Director of STR, explained that the two tiger reserve projects in the park cover a total of 1,200 square kilometers. He further added that each 100 sq km can accommodate about five tigers, which makes them estimate that at least 60 tigers can be accommodated within the reserve. This is a significant number and shows the potential for the growth of the tiger population in Similipal.
However, with the increase in the tiger population, there has also been a rise in human-wildlife conflicts. In 2018, there were no reported incidents of cattle predation, but recently, over a hundred such cases have been reported. Experts suggest that the tigers are expanding their territory between the core and buffer zones in search of suitable habitats and prey. To sustain this growth, conservation measures such as maintaining a peaceful and undisturbed environment, ensuring sufficient prey availability, and preventing poaching are crucial.
To combat poaching activities, the forest officials have taken proactive measures by installing 150 AI-powered cameras in the park and intensifying patrolling. Wildlife experts believe that the increase in cattle predation is a sign of a growing tiger population. Bhanu Mitra Acharya, an independent director at the Odisha State Forest Development Corporation, has cautioned against retaliatory poisoning by villagers, which has been a concern in the past.
The increase in Similipal's tiger population is a significant achievement for Odisha. However, to ensure long-term conservation, continued vigilance, habitat protection, and proactive measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts are necessary, as stated by Acharya. Let us appreciate this growth in the tiger population while also being responsible towards their conservation.
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