Overview
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Location: Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India.
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Recent Status: Declared India’s 107th National Park (2024) and the second in Odisha after Bhitarkanika.
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Historical Context: Proposed as a national park in 1980; notified after a 44-year delay.
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Conservation Recognition:
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Tiger Reserve: Declared in 1956 (Odisha’s first) and part of Project Tiger since 1973.
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UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Designated in 2009; part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
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Wildlife Sanctuary: Notified in 1979.
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Biodiversity Highlights
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Iconic Species:
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Melanistic Tigers: The only wild population of pseudo-melanistic Bengal tigers globally (40 tigers in 2024).
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Unique Trait: Thick black stripes due to a genetic mutation (recessive gene variant), creating a “dark-coated” appearance.
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Significance: STR is a genetic hotspot for studying melanism in big cats.
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Elephants: Hosts 25% of Odisha’s elephant population.
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Other Mammals: Leopards, sambar deer, Indian bison (gaur), and mugger crocodiles.
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Flora:
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Forest Types: Dominated by sal trees, moist deciduous, and semi-evergreen forests.
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Orchids: 104 species, many endemic to the region.
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Avian Diversity: Over 360 bird species, including rare and migratory birds.
Ecological Significance
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Hotspot for Endemism: Unique flora and fauna, including endemic orchids and melanistic tigers.
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Hydrological Role: Acts as a critical watershed for rivers like Budhabalanga and Khairi.
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Cultural Importance: Sacred to indigenous communities like the Ho, Santhal, and Munda tribes.
Recent National Park Declaration
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Legal Implications:
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Stricter Protection: National parks prohibit human activities (e.g., grazing, forestry) compared to tiger reserves.
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Conservation Focus: Enhanced measures to combat poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
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Tourism Impact:
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Controlled Access: Tourism regulations to minimize ecological disruption.
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Global Attention: Draws researchers and wildlife enthusiasts to study melanistic tigers.
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Challenges
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Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment and resource competition with local communities.
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Poaching: Targeted for tiger parts, elephant tusks, and rare plants.
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Habitat Fragmentation: Infrastructure projects and invasive species threaten ecological connectivity.
Way Forward
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Community Engagement: Involve tribal populations in eco-tourism and conservation.
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Research Initiatives: Study melanistic tiger genetics and habitat needs.
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Technology Integration: Use AI-based monitoring and drones for anti-poaching efforts.
Conclusion
The upgrade of STR to a national park marks a milestone in India’s conservation journey, offering stronger safeguards for its unique melanistic tigers and rich biodiversity. Balancing ecological preservation with sustainable development will be key to ensuring its legacy as a global biodiversity treasure.
