Endemism
Endemism in Similipal is not fully
explored, yet it is expected to be very high particularly
in sectors like tree ferns, orchids, medicinal plants
and insect fauna. The checklist of flora and fauna has
been updated at intervals with new additions. Paradoxurus
jorandensis, an endemic civet was located by the Zoological
Survey of India in Similipal during 1980s and subsequently
recorded from all zones of Similipal. Phillautus similipalensis,
a frog located near Chahala in 1975 has been identified
from other locations from Similipal.
Eria meghasaniensis and Tyna hookeriena are two endemic orchids
of Similipal. The former is found near Megahsini in
south
Similipal and the latter is seen near Pakaladiha
nalla of Jenabil. Another rare orchid, Bulbophyllum
panigrahianum, is also seen in Similipal. Oryza officinalis,
a specied of paddy known from Kerala was first collected
in Odisha from Similipal near Khejuri hills in the late
1980s. The species is rare and sporadic, not used for
any purpose locally. Another species of paddy, O. granulata
previously recorded from Jeypore in south Odisha has
also been recorded in Similipal. The aquatic grass Coix
aquatica and several spp. of orchids are some of the
other additions.
The elephant population of Similipal
is the major surviving concentration of the Central-Indian
population. The cat fauna, including the many colour
aberrations noticed in tigers and the occurrence of
black panthers, are of academic and conservation interest.
The cats comprise of Fishing cat, Jungle cat, Leopard
cat, and the Leopard. The four-horned antelope or chowsingha
is found in certain patches of Similipal. The stream
Mahasheer that is characteristic to hilly streams of
peninsular India continues to inhabit streams of Similipal,
though it is rare. Among the birds, recent additions
include Red breasted falconet, Grey-headed fishing eagle,
Slender billed scimitar babbler, White eared bulbul,
East-Himalayan long-tailed minivet and Common sand piper.
Similarly, the Ruddy mangoose (Herpestes smithi) has
been an addition after several sightings.
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Similipal
Ecosystem
An assemblage of ecosystems ranging into
the Forests, Grasslands and Wetlands, the composite 'Similipal
ecosystem' with indicator species like the tiger, elephant,
giant squirrel, mugger crocodile and turtles inhabiting
in it enrich the 'scientific values' of the area for ecological
studies.
primitive
tribe
Kharias, a primitive tribe
inside the sanctuary subsist on collection of non-timber
forest products. Honey, Gum, Arrowroot and Wild Mushrooms
are collected by them daily. Besides, people from outside
also collect the bark of Paja tree (Litsea monopetala),
flowers and seeds of Mahua, and seeds of sal. These are
only a few of the many NTFP items gathered in Similipal.
Although Gonds were living
in few pockets in dense forest of Similipal, Kharias
are supposed to be the originial inhabitant of Similipal
hills. The Kharia who represented dravidian family speak
Oriya and unaware of any other dialect. Other common
tribes are Bhumija, Bathudi, Kolha, Gonda, Santhal and
Mankadia. The festivals and the dances of these tribes
also form a part of their socio-cultural value. In contrast
to Khadias, Kolha, Munda, Mahali, Mankadia, Santal have
their own dialects such as Kolarian, Mundari, Santali
etc. The tribal population comprise of 73.44 %, the
scheduled cast population 5.21 % and other castes 21.35
%.
Scientific
value
Because of its bio-geographical
situation, geological features, the international recognition
as one of the first nine prime areas for tiger conservation
and for being one of the first eight Biosphere Reserves
of India, the Scientific value of Similipal make it a
paradise for Scientists pursuing studies on Biodiversity,
and many features are believed to have remained unexplored
yet. The discoveries of new paddy species and the identification
of over 500 species of medicinal plants are only examples
of the 'gene pool reserve' in Similipal and the vast opportunities
for biotechnological research and applications in future.
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Zones
and their Status
The
different zones and their status are as follows:
Similipal Biosphere Reserve: (area in sq.km) |
|
|
A. |
Core (= Core of STR) |
845 |
Sanctuary
from 1979, National Park (declared in two
phases during 1980/1986) |
B. |
Buffer |
|
|
1. |
Within
STR |
1905
|
Sanctuary
from 1979 |
2. |
Outside
STR
(a)
Nato RF Reserved
Forest
(b)Satkoshia RF
|
77
147
|
Reserved
Forest
Reserved
Forest
Reserved
Forest |
|
Total
… … |
2129 |
|
C. |
Transitional Area
|
2595 |
|
TOTAL
(SBR) … 5569
|
[SBR= Similipal Biosphere Reserve; STR= Similipal Tiger Reserve=the
area of Similipal Sanctuary] The length of Periphery
of Similipal Sanctuary is about 600 kms. The Tourism
route runs through the buffer area but also touches
important points in the core of the sanctuary. Its
total length is about 170km.
|
|
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Ecological Vulnerability
There are no pollution-causing
industries in Mayurbhanj district that could affect
the ecological soundness of Similipal. Thus, the ecological
vulnerability is only from the current living styles
and dependence of people on Similipal. About 4.5lakhs
people constitute the 80,000 families who live within
or close to Similipal, and about 50% of them earn a
part of or the complete livelihood from Similipal.
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Threats
Activities of these people
also generate threats that cause major obstacles in biodiversity-conservation
in Similipal. The specific threats are: the loss of diversity
due to collection of small timber and fire-wood; the loss
of diversity due to 'Fire', and the loss of diversity
due to Shikar (Illegal Hunting of wildlife). "Akhand
Shikar" is considered to be one singular custom that
results in large-scale killing of wild animals. The solution
to this lies in keeping the people in such professions
that are attractive and keep the people engaged round
the year. Ecodevelopment schemes have been launched in
this direction.
The
status of implementation of this programme in Similipal
BR:
Up to the year 2003-04 Government of India
assistance amounting to Rs.207.3194 lakhs has been received
and utilised. The utilisation of funds was Rs.50.01 lakhs
during 2001-02, Rs.58.06 lakhs during 2002-03 and Rs.32.181
lakhs during 2003-04. 343 numbers of Eco-Development Committees
have been organised. There is a local committee chaired
by the Director, Biosphere Reserve and comprising of district
level officers of various related departments and also
two NGOs of Mayurbhanj district, which deliberate from
time to time to formulate suitable action programmes.
The major investment
has been in construction of 36 numbers of water harvesting
structures and improvement of irrigation channels to
fields. Digging and renovation of ponds and pisci-culture
have been carried out over 16 ponds. Sabai rope making
units and sal-leaf plate-making units have been supplied
to the villagers. Health camps, anti-malaria campaign,
immunisation of people and cattle have been carried
out. The facility of revolving fund for micro-credit
has been extended to selected community groups. Training
in sericulture, sabai rope making, improved agricultural
technique, bee keeping, orchid growing and in the job
of eco-guide, etc. been imparted to 112 persons.
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Future
Strategy:
The Biosphere programme will seek to make
a sustained impact on the over all scenario of biodiversity
conservation, and would therefore have a component of
long term programmes and a component of short term interventions.
The long term programmes
would comprise of (a) an in depth study of the status
of biodiversity resources, eco-systems, and ecological
processes in Similipal to establish a bench mark; (b)
a critical study of the socio-economic setting in the
biosphere area, and exploration of the various alternate
livelihood options; and (c) nurturing the process of
organising the local communities into eco-development
committees and formation of green brigades to build
up proper stake-holding of the natural-biological resource.
The short term interventions
would consist of measures (a) to build up awareness
of the destructive practices which need to be curbed,
(b) to explore the potential and the prospects of eco-tourism,
(c) to channelise the water flow out of Similipal to
agricultural fields, (d) to support suitable micro enterprises
and micro credit to self help groups, and (e) to mount
a vigorous programme for controlling malaria and cattle
disease.