- 750,000
- 534,564
- 215,436
Trees for Tigers™
Similipal National Park, Odisha, India
Available for Adoption: 215,436 Trees
Project Purpose
Trees for Forests™ & WildlifeLocation
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The plantation project is implemented in the fringes of Similipal National Park in the Gram Panchayats of Asana, Kuchilaghati, Kendua, Rangamatia, Gundihudi in Mayurbhanj District, eastern Indian state of Odisha. |

Enhancement of
Biodiversity

Increase in
Green Cover

Reduction of
Man-Animal Conflict

Generation of
Rural Employment

Improvement of
Wildlife Habitats
Why Trees?
Deforestation and forest degradation are the major concerns in maintaining the ecological balance and conserving forest resources which bear global significance. In India, in the last century, the forests have undergone significant changes due to several anthropogenic as well as natural factors including increased population pressure. The net decline in the forest cover of Odisha alone is 40.5 per cent of the total forest from 1935 to 2010 (CS Reddy et al). Several studies have revealed that the large scale deforestation of dry deciduous forests was conducted in this region. This has resulted in a reduction in rainfall, a heavy increase in the frequency of floods and droughts, and topsoil erosion. Environmentally sound forests help in maintaining the ecological balance and for that, area coverage of dense forest has to be increased.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority in India has identified a potential link between the migration of wild animals from the Similipal Tiger Reserve to the Satkosia Tiger Reserve and has proposed a corridor. It is a very long corridor but is highly fragmented due to intense mining activities, power stations and a large number of human habitation. Similipal National Park is also one of the UNESCO’s recognized biosphere reserve and home to a number of endangered species of animals, reptiles, birds and spices of plants and herbs. In this context, our local planting partner Impact Guru Foundation also suggests that the promotion of primary forests becomes essential to maintain the ecological balance as trees help in regulating micro-climates by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon along with other particulate matters.
Trees for Tigers™
Forests are vital for the survival of the tiger population in Odisha. The lush and dense forests provide tigers with a comfortable natural habitat. Trees also provide shade, reduce water and air temperatures and contribute to the overall health of tigers. These natural habitats are not only well suited for big mammals like tigers but also attract other herbivores animals like elephant and hill mynah, leopard, sambar, barking deer, gaur, jungle cat, wild boar, four-horned antelope, giant squirrel and common langur. Grey hornbill, Indian pied hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill are also found here. Where tigers thrive, so do other diverse plants and animals. Such a natural habitat provides a host of animals as prey for tigers.
Sub-adult male tigers are forced by their fathers to move out of areas where they are born and find new territories. These dispersing sub-adult males are often the ones that use a corridor and get to the adjacent protected area in search of territories. While passing through these corridors, tigers confront a range of challenges such as hostile villagers, retaliatory poisoning of livestock kills, poaching of tigers and prey, electrocution by live wires, apart from road and rail traffic. For this purpose, forest cover in the buffer zone will provide a natural habitat for tigers to find their new territories and reduce the human-animal conflict.
Biodiversity - Black (Melanistic) Tigers of Orissa
Similipal National Park is home to the only known habitat of the elusive melanistic, or black, tigers. Similipal is one of India’s oldest tiger reserves. Declared in 1973 under Project Tiger, it contains 2,750 sq km of forest and is prime habitat for tigers, prey species and elephants A group of researchers from Bengaluru-based National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) has begun its study into why a small chunk of tigers found in Odisha are melanistic. According to the Down To Earth magazine, Normal tigers are giving birth to black or melanistic tigers and even normal cubs are being delivered by the black or melanistic tigresses. An increase in the number of melanistic tigers holds great implications for future conservation.
Tree Species
Karanj (Millettia Pinnata), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), Mango (Mangifera indica), Earleaf Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), Lemon (Citrus limon) and Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Teak (Tectona Grandis), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Simarouba, Mahanimba (Melia Azedarach).
Social Impact
In recent years, several scientific reports have pointed out that the loss of biodiversity and their habitats have increased drastically due to human-induced interventions in the natural environments; implementation of the large scale plantation project is a simple and effective approach in preventing further ecosystem degradation and habitat loss, which at the same time promotes sustainable resource use among the locals. The trees planted help to reclaim degraded and deforested patches into a healthy primary forest, improved wildlife habitats and ecosystem services.
The project region is inhabited by a variety of tribe communities. Prominent among these are Bhumija, Gondas, Kolha, Santhala and Mankadia. Most of them are settled agriculturists and supplementing their income by being dependent on various forest resources. Many conservation practices associated these tribes have been on the decline due to the various factors including the increasing influence of modern civilization, increasing human population and decreasing wildlife availability (WWF-India); thus, the large scale plantation will improve the ecosystem services with the access of local communities to the collection of fuelwood, and another minor forest produces, thereby also contribute to reviving the traditional conservation cultures. Moreover, the increased vegetation in the region will help not just in controlling soil erosion, but will also improve moisture conservation, enhance water table in the region, contribute towards the prevention of the severe drought and flood conditions of the region and forest fires.
Adoption Summary
Name of the Company | Number of Trees Adopted | Fiscal Year |
---|---|---|
TreeNation | 50,000 | 2021-22 |
TreeNation | 50,000 | 2019-20 |
TATA AIA Life Insurance Co. | 50,000 | 2019-20 |
INDEPENDENT AUDIT
Excerpt
A total of 50,000 saplings were planted in Jamukeshwar, Odisha during 2019-20. The trees are planted during the monsoon and are majorly dependent on the rain. The approach of Grow-Trees to plant trees in this area will show a positive impact on the water table in future. The plantation is carried out on non-cultivable land which has increased the forest density in the area. The project is implemented with the help of village institutions (Village Development committee). Restoration of degraded areas has been augmented by planting of endemic species and varieties, as suggested by local village committees, apart from allowing natural regeneration. Grow-Trees partner team, in areas of adverse survival conditions, adopted the strategy of 1 + 1 plantation, wherein one main sapling is planted along with 1 local sapling that is acclimated to the given ecological conditions. The success ratio of the plantation activity is 86.28%.
The planting has been carried out as per the plan and the approximate number of saplings physically verified is in agreement with the number of saplings planted (as per the report of Grow-Trees planting partner). We are of the opinion that looking to the steps taken by Grow-Trees planting partner, i.e., location of the site, encouragement to planting and positive response from the village to save the planting, the result of the activity will be affirmative.