In order to provide proper protection to the wildlife and their habitat, a total of 18 sanctuaries (Protected Areas) including Gahirmatha (Marine) Sanctuary, one National Park (Bhitarkanika), one proposed National Park have been notified under the provisions of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These protected areas constitute 10.37% of the total forest area and 4.1% of the total geographical area of the State. Besides, one Tiger Reserve (Simlipal), one Biosphere Reserve (Simlipal), one closed area (Chilika), one Game/Wildlife Reserve (Balipadar-Bhetnoi), one Zoological Park and 8 deer parks (mini zoos) have been notified for both in-situ and ex-situ conservation and management of wildlife. The State has the singular distinction of having 3 mass nesting beaches of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. It has many natural wetlands including largest wetland of Asia (Chilika) now designated as a Ramsar site. A total of 19 species of amphibians, 110 species of reptiles including three crocodilian species, 473 species of birds and 86 species of mammals have so far been recorded in the State which include 54 species of threatened animals (17 species of reptiles, 15species of birds and 22 species of mammals) as per the definition of IUCN Red Data Book.

Management of Wildlife, maintenance and development of Sanctuaries, National Parks, Biosphere Reserves and Zoological Parks is the responsibility of the Wildlife wing of the department under the Chief Wildlife Warden

Click here to view Wildlife Protected Areas

For  further details you can visit to the wildlife website

www.wildlifeorissa.in