The Similipal Tiger Reserve is a compact block of elevated plateau located in central portion of the Mayurbhanj district and lies between 20° 17’ and 22° 34’ north and 850 40’ and 87° 10’ east longitude. The stretch of forest including Similipal RF spread over an area of 2750 km2 was declared as ‘Tiger Reserve’ with effect from 04-12-1973 under ‘Project Tiger’ Scheme of Government of India. It has been conferred with legal status as per provisions of Section 38V of Wildlife (Conservation) Act, 1972 vide notification no. 8F(T)-9/2007/20801/ F&E dt.31st December, 2007 of Govt. of Orissa in Forest & Environment Department. The notification has clearly indicated with boundary description of Critical Tiger Habitat (Core) extending over 1194.75 km2 and buffer area of 1555.25 km². There are 3 inhabitated villages inside the Critical Tiger Habitat and 65 villages in the buffer area.
