Mayurbanj, April 25 -- Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve has been conferred the status of National Park. With this, Similipal has become the state's second national park after Bhitarkanika and 107th in the country.

The reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and majestic wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaur, and Chausingha.

"Similipal has been officially declared as a National Park today, marking a landmark achievement in Odisha's conservation efforts and reaffirming the state's commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and natural heritage," Odisha's Forest, Environment and Climate Change department wrote on X.

Speaking with ANI, Deputy Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve Samrat Gouda said that their long...