Source: News on Air
Subject: Mapping
Context: Similipal National Park in Odisha recorded a rise in its mugger crocodile population to 84 during the three-day census, reversing a declining trend seen in recent years.
About Similipal National Park:
What it is?
- Similipal is a National Park, Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve forming part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.
- It is one of India’s most biodiverse protected landscapes and is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (since 2009).
Location:
- Located in Mayurbhanj district of northern Odisha, it lies in the Eastern Ghats and spreads over about 2,750 sq km, making it one of India’s largest tiger reserves.
Key geographical features:
- Similipal is a high-plateau forested massif with an average elevation of about 900 m.
- It contains prominent peaks such as Meghasani (1,158 m) and Khairiburu (1,178 m) and famous waterfalls like Barehipani (217 m) and Joranda (181 m).
- The landscape is drained by rivers such as Budhabalanga, Salandi, Deo and Khairi, which create ideal wetland habitats for crocodiles and other wildlife.
Crocodile census and conservation:
- The 2026 census counted 84 mugger crocodiles, up from 81 in 2025, with West Deo River alone hosting around 60 individuals.
- The recovery is attributed to the Ramtirtha Mugger Crocodile Breeding Centre, which releases hatchlings annually into Similipal’s rivers.
