About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR):
- Location: STR is located within the Mayurbhanj District, in the Northernmost part of Odisha.
- It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above mean sea level).
- The terrain is mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
- Vegetation: It is a mix of different forest types and habitats, with Northern tropical moist deciduous dominating some semi-evergreen patches.
- It was declared a 'Tiger Reserve' in the year 1956and included under the national conservation programme 'Project Tiger' in 1973.
- The STR, along with a 'transitional area' of 2250 sq. km, has been included as a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in the year 2009.
- It is the only landscape in the world that is home to melanistic tigers.
- The region around STR is home to a variety of tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia and Sahara.
- Flora:
- An astounding 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, are found here.
- Sal is the dominant tree species here
- Fauna: Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python, Sambar, Pangolin etc.
What are Melanistic animals?
- They are animals with an increased amount of the dark pigment melanin in their skin, hair and feathers, etc., giving them a dark appearance.
- Melanism is a genetic mutation that occurs in many different types of animals, including mammals, reptiles and insects.
