Similipal has officially been declared a National Park in April 2025, fulfilling a vision that began in 1980. This makes it India's 107th National Park and Odisha's largest, covering 845.70 sq km. The declaration highlights Similipal's rich biodiversity, tribal legacy, and significant ecological value.
Similipal is home to approximately 40 wild tigers, including melanistic tigers, and 104 orchid species. It also shelters 25% of Odisha's elephant population and over 360 bird species. The park's forests feature a mix of sal, moist deciduous, and semi-evergreen trees, creating a diverse habitat.
To protect the park, the Forest Department is implementing the Greater Similipal Landscape Programme. This includes AI-powered camera towers, surveillance networks, and a dedicated security force. The Government of Odisha has also launched the Ama Similipal Yojana to support local communities through livelihood enhancement, skill training, and eco-tourism promotion, alongside infrastructure upgrades in health, education, and resource access.