Context: The National Tiger Conservation Authority has asked Odisha chief wildlife warden to submit a status report on the adverse impact of tourism on Satkosia Tiger Reserve.

• The NTCA’s letter to the Odisha government also comes in the backdrop of a failed exercise to repopulate the dwindling tiger population of Satkosia, Odisha’s second tiger reserve after Similipal.

Adverse effects of Ecotourism in Satkosia Tiger reserve

• The Mahanadi river bed within the tiger reserve is used for basking and nesting by turtles and crocodiles. Birds like Indian Skimmers, terns and Pratincoles use it for nesting and feeding. Setting up of tents and allowing tourists to stay on river beds impacts such wildlife and affects their ecological needs, including basking which is vital for metabolism of cold-blooded creatures.
• Bonfires at night also affect nocturnal wildlife, disorients their vision thereby impacting their ability to feed and move about freely.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

• Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located in the Angul district of Odisha
• It is located where the Mahanadi River passes through a gorge in the Eastern Ghats mountains.
• The tiger reserve is located in the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion.
• The major plant communities are mixed deciduous forests including Sal (Shorea robusta), and riverine forest.
• Mammals found include the leopard, indian wild dog or the (dhole), wild boars, striped hyena, sloth bear, leopard cat and the jungle cat.
• Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1976, following which Saktosia Tiger Reserve was designated in 2007.
• The Satkosia Tiger reserve comprises the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjacent Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Additional Information