Wildlife Sanctuaries (Orissa)

Located on the eastern coast of India, Orissa has a rich and pulsating wildlife. The 10.37% of the states total forest area comes under these sanctuaries and it is the 4% of the state's total land area. It has a total of 21 wildlife sanctuaries.

Simlipal :- This wildlife sanctuary is located in the Chotanagpur plateau of Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. Thick cover of semi evergreen and dry deciduous forest is spread over the entire sanctuary. The sanctuary which is spread over an area of 2750 sq kms is crisscrossed by 12 rivers and contributes for the presence of countless number of waterfalls in the area. The area houses an immense variety of flora including 1076 species of plant and 92 varieties of orchids. It is also the home for 231 species of avians, 42 species of mammals and 29 species of reptiles. Tiger, elephants, wolf, chital, leopard, sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, barking deer and flying squirrel are the prominent mammals while peacock, hornbill, hill mynah and parakeets are the prominent avi fauna of the sanctuary. 

Nandan Kanan Wildlife Sanctuary :- A botanical garden, zoo, national park this sanctuary has its all in its enclosure. Nandan Kanan has got international acclaim for saving the rarest species of white tiger from extinction. The sanctuary is on the banks of Kanjia River at distance of around 20 kms from Bhubaneshwar. This sanctuary is also known for its elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, bears, monkey, deer and crocodiles. 

Satkosia Basipalli Sanctuary :- River Mahanadi with the Eastern Ghats has contributed towards the formation of a bewildering George by the name of Satkosia. It covers an area of 796 kms and is known amongst the environmentalists and nature lovers for its impeccable beauty. The 22 km long Satkosia George divides the entire sanctuary in two parts and houses the dry and moist deciduous forests along with the moist peninsular sal forest. Leopard, tiger, spotted deer, elephant, gaur, sambar, chousingha, mouse deer, nilgai, elephant, sloth bear, wild dog are roaming safely within the protected areas of the sanctuary. It is also the nesting grounds for many migratory and resident avians. Reptiles like gharial, mugger crocodile, fresh water turtle and several venomous and non venomous snakes are also present in Satkosia George sanctuary. 

Bhitarkanika Mangroves :- This wildlife sanctuary is known for its mangrove ecosystem and the incredible reptile population. It is the breeding ground for the rare white and salt water crocodiles. Poisonous and non poisonous snakes like cobra and python are mating here successfully. It also has a significant migratory and resident bird population apart from supporting the mammals like spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, fishing cat, jungle cat, otter etc. 

Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary :- This picturesque lake has been declared as a bird sanctuary for its immensely significant aquatic and avian population. This largest coastal lake of India which is otherwise being called Ramsar site is the home for 167 varieties of resident and migratory birds. Flamingo, White bellied sea eagle, brahmany kite, spotbilled pelican, egret, avocet, gull, tern, king fisher, bareheaded goose, wigeon, stilt, shoveller, ibis, heron, kingfisher are the prominent birds of the lakes. 

Badarama or Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary :- Badarama Sanctuary is also known as Ushakothi. The sanctuary is spread over 130 kms and is covered by a thick blanket of dry mixed deciduous forests. Tiger, leopards, wild elephants, hyena, sambar, bear, spotted deer, bison, panther, wild boar, panther, porcupine and many species of birds and reptiles are flourishing in the protected serene of this sanctuary.

Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary :- Located in the newly created nuapada district of Orissa, this sanctuary touches the boundary of Chattishgarh. Spread in an area of 600 kms covering a thick network of dry deciduous forests this sanctuary is considered to be the most ideal habitat for the endangered Barasinghas. Other commonly sited animals of the sanctuary are the tigers, leopard, hyena, barking deer, cheetal, gaur, sambar and sloth bears. It is also the nesting grounds for many birds like pea fowl, hill mynah and partridge. 

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary :- This small pristine sanctuary is spread over 176 kms. The forest type of this sanctuary is moist deciduous and tropical dry deciduous. The bamboos and the teak plantation of these forests quench the appetite of the giant Elephants and the spotted Deer. It also houses leopard, hyena, spotted deer, wild dog, wild boar, ratel, pangolin, pea fowl, red jungle fowl, white ibis, dab chicks, open bill stork, egret, python, monitor lizard. 82 species of migratory and resident birds have been flourishing in the natural water body and forests of this sanctuary.

Ambapani Wildlife Sanctuary :- This sanctuary is known for its viable mangrove ecosystem with around 60 varieties of Mangroves spread over 600 sq kms of the sanctuary area. This sanctuary in know for its Black Panther population. 

Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary :- Amidst the thick tropical forests of Belghar, this sanctuary is known for the population of its mighty long-tusked elephants. Seeing these impeccable tuskers in their natural habitat is an experience of a lifetime. Situated in the district of Kandhamal, Leopard, Elephants, Wildbeer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Bear and a number of Birds are the commonly sited fauna of the sanctuary. 

Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary :- Located on the Puri Konarak Marine Drive, this sanctuary is known for its population of Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Squirrel, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal. 

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary :- Debrigarh sanctuary is in the Sambalpur district of Orissa and is known for the sprawling wildlife which includes Tiger, Sambar, Spotted deer, Sloth Bear, Monitor Lizards & Different Type of Chameleon. 

Baisipali Wildlife Sanctuary :- Baisipali Sanctuary is adjacent to the sanctuary of Satkosia George and is the home for a rich wildlife population which includes Leopard, Elephants, Wildbeer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Bear and number of Birds.

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