Odisha: Similipal Tiger Reserve authorities plans better salt licks to lure animals

BHUBANESWAR: The Similipal Tiger Reserve authorities have planned to improve salt licks (an artificial bed of soil mixed with salt) to help herbivores come out of the forest so that their sighting is increased resulting in more tourist footfall.
The herbivores need nutrient (sodium) to get energy and salt is mixed with soil to provide them required nutrition. Tourists get to watch them when they come of the forest to lick the salt.
The three areas — Chahala, Brundaban and Nawna — have been identified for salt lick improvement. In the south division of Similipal, artificial salt licks have been created in Upper Barakamada and Devasthali. The two places come under the core area of the reserve.
Sai Kiran, deputy director (Similipal north), said they have planned to expand the salt lick areas to have diversified herbivore population. “Taking of care of salt licks is a regular affair in a reserve. If there is diversified animal population in a reserve, it is good for the forests and tourists also get to spot the animals easily,” he said.
In tourism season, which has started since November 1 this year, around 35 tourist vehicles enter the reserve. The five eco-tourism sites record impressive tourist footfall throughout winter. Chahala with a huge salt-lick bed attracts hordes of tourists. Tourists are allowed to stay there till 5 pm when animals such as sambar, deer, elephant come to lick the salt. It is the best time to spot animals, experts said. Similipal Tiger Reserve, the largest reserve in Odisha with 2750 sq km area has also ensured a plastic-free habitat as part of habitat management.