What Happened to the Tigers of Satkosia? A Deep Dive into Odisha's Wildlife

In a recent announcement, Odisha's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests revealed that Satkosia Tiger Reserve currently has no tigers. This article explores the implications of this situation, the status of tigers in nearby Similipal, and the ecological significance of Satkosia. With a rich biodiversity, including endangered species, the reserve's future remains uncertain. Read on to learn more about the challenges facing wildlife conservation in this region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2025, 17:21 IST

Current Status of Tigers in Satkosia

Bhubaneswar: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) in Odisha, Prem Kumar Jha, announced on Tuesday that Satkosia Tiger Reserve is currently without any tigers.

During a press briefing, Jha confirmed that the sanctuary has no tigers at this time and indicated that there are no immediate plans to reintroduce them. He mentioned that tigers were once present in Satkosia five years ago, but they have since disappeared.

Jha also highlighted that the Similipal Tiger Reserve is home to two varieties of tigers: the common Bengal tiger and the rare melanistic (black) tiger. According to the latest tiger census conducted by the state, there are currently 30 tigers residing in Similipal, with cubs counted only after they reach the age of two.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve, located in the central region of Odisha, spans across four districts: Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh. This reserve is crucial for the survival of two endangered species—the freshwater crocodile and the gharial.

Covering an area of 1,136.7 square kilometers, including a buffer zone of 440.26 square kilometers, Satkosia is also part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve. It serves as a convergence point for two distinct biogeographic regions in India: the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats.