Crocodile Census in Similipal National Park, Odisha Records Population Increase

A latest crocodile census records an increase in the crocodile population in Similipal National Park in Odisha. The update is relevant as it reports current population change based on the latest census in the park.

Similipal National Park (Odisha): 

Dimension	Key Details
Location	Situated in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
Area	Covers 2750 sq.km.
Name Origin	Named after the Simul (silk cotton) tree, which grows in abundance.
Protected Area Designations	National Park, Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, and is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.
Bio-geographic Zone	Situated in the Deccan Peninsular Bio-geographic Zone.
Biodiversity Mix	Harbours a blend of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and eastern Himalayan biodiversity.
Waterfalls	Includes waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.
Terrain and Highest Peak	Surrounded by high plateaus and hills; highest peak is the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515 m above mean sea level).
Tribes	Home to tribes including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Vegetation Type	Primarily consists of moist mixed deciduous forest, with tropical semi-evergreen areas in favorable microclimates, along with scattered dry deciduous forests and grasslands.
Dominant Tree	Sal is the dominant tree species.
Floral Diversity	Houses 7% of the flowering plants and 8% of India’s orchids.
Grasslands	Has extensive grasslands that are grazing grounds for many herbivores.
Known For	Known for the tiger, elephant, and hill mynah.
Tiger Facts	Holds the highest tiger population in Odisha; is the only tiger reserve in the country to boast of melanistic tigers.
Major Mammals	Leopard, sambar, barking deer, gaur, jungle cat, wild boar, four-horned antelope, giant squirrel, and common langur.