One of the most famous regions for its wildlife
sanctuaries, Orissa offers a protected yet natural habitat to the
state's incredible wildlife. Out of 155,707 sq. kms geographical area of
Orissa, 52,472 sq. kms is recorded forest area, but the actual figure is
47,033 sq. kms according to the survey conducted by State of Forest
Report (SFR 1999. For providing proper protection to the wildlife and
their habitat 18 sanctuaries are notified as Protected Areas such as
Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary, one National Park (Bhitarkanika), one
proposed National Park have been notified under the provisions of Indian
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Tigers, Leopards, Elephant, Bear, Deer, Sambar, Black Buck and Wolves
are seen frequently in the dense forests and hilly parts of the state.
The state is popular for its 19 species of amphibians, 110 species of
reptiles, 473 species of birds and 86 species of mammals. More than 225
species of fish including Acentrogobius griseus, Alepes Djedaba, Arius
Arius and Elops Machnata are available here.
The state is too popular for having 3 mass nesting beaches of rare
Olive Ridley Sea Turtles including world's largest nesting ground of
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Lepidochelys Olivacea. Largest wetland of Asia
(Chilika) now designated as a Ramsar site in Orissa.
