Bhubaneswar/Baripada, Jul 29 (PTI) The authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve on Wednesday attributed the rise in the tiger population from five in 2014 to 35 in 2026 to scientific management practices and community participation, as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik called for collective efforts to conserve the big cats.
In separate messages on the occasion of International Tiger Day, both Majhi and Patnaik urged people to join hands to protect and preserve Royal Bengal Tigers in the state.
Addressing a function at Similipal, Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve-cum-Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Baripada, Prakash Chand Gogineni said scientific management and cooperation from local communities had played a key role in increasing the tiger population.
“A remarkable conservation success has been achieved in Similipal, where the tiger population has increased from five tigers in 2014 to 35 tigers in 2026,” Gogineni said.
He attributed the achievement to the relentless efforts of frontline forest personnel, scientific management practices and the cooperation of local communities.
Deputy Director of Similipal South Wildlife Division Sumit Kumar Kar also praised the dedication of frontline forest staff who continue to protect the reserve under challenging conditions.
Similipal Tiger Reserve, spread over around 2,750 sq km in Mayurbhanj district, comprises hills, waterfalls and river systems and is one of the country’s important tiger habitats.
Deputy Director of Similipal North Wildlife Division Ramesh Kumar Bishnoi highlighted the sustained conservation efforts undertaken jointly by the Forest Department and local communities for the long-term preservation of the ecosystem.
Conservationist Vivekananda Pattnaik stressed the importance of community participation in mitigating human-wildlife conflict and promoting sustainable livelihoods through community-based ecotourism in the buffer areas of the reserve.
In a post on X, Majhi said, “On International Tiger Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting one of nature’s most magnificent species. Odisha’s rich forests and thriving tiger habitats reflect our shared responsibility to conserve wildlife, restore ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity for generations to come.” Patnaik said the tiger was one of the world’s most iconic animals and a symbol of India’s cultural heritage.
“#Odisha is the world’s only home to wild melanistic tigers. On #InternationalTigerDay, let us all join hands to protect the magnificent big cats and their habitats so that they continue to thrive,” Patnaik said in a social media post.
In Similipal, the celebration was held in collaboration with the Centre for Similipal Studies, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo (MSCB) University, Takatpur, Baripada, bringing together academics, conservationists, students, wildlife photographers, government officials, media representatives, and members of the public.
The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Securing the Future of Tigers with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the Heart,’ underscores the vital role of local communities in ensuring the long-term survival of tigers and their ecosystems.
A major highlight of this year’s celebration was the photography competition-cum-photo exhibition on the theme ‘Biodiversity of Similipal’.
The event received an overwhelming response, with more than 100 wildlife photographers from across India participating and contributing their work.
The exhibition showcased over 250 captivating photographs, portraying the rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and unique wildlife of Similipal Tiger Reserve.
Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar also celebrated International Tiger Day 2026 with a series of educational, awareness and conservation-oriented programmes aimed at promoting tiger conservation and inspiring public participation in wildlife protection.
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia graced the event as the chief guest. PTI COR AAM AAM MNB
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