Animal census figures at Simlipal Tiger Reserve (2310 feet)
The last tiger census undertaken by the Similipal Tiger Project a few years back, enumerated the tiger population to be in excess of 110. It is estimated that in addition to tigers, 200 leopards, 100 hyenas, 200 wild elephants, innumerable wild dogs, king cobras, monsoon cobras, spectacled cobras, lizards and other poisonous snakes exist in this forest.
It rains heavily from May to September. The forest is closed to all visitors during this period. However, the tribals whose homes are inside the reserve continue to live here bearing the full brunt of the monsoon during which the forest is nothing more than a muddy slush with thousands of mosquitoes all around.
Winters (October to February) are extremely cold. The altitude (3200 feet above sea level), thick forest cover, dew, mist and frost combine to make winter nights freezing cold. Hailstorms are common. The damp atmosphere due to heavy dewfall compounds the effects of the chilly winds.
There are no roads inside the forest. The nearest doctor is a 50 km. trek from the tribal settlements. No medical doctor is brave enough to enter the forest due to the fear of malaria. There are no medical facilities inside the forest. The nearest hospital is 100 km. away. Modern medical facilities and super specialty hospitals are more than 200 km. away!
Animal husbandry and agriculture inside the core area of the forest is minimal as rearing of cows could attract tigers to the villages and it is impossible to convert the thick sal forests into tillable agricultural land. Moreover, the forests are state property and strict anti tree-felling laws are in place. Modern communication facilities are non-existent.
Also, there is no electricity. Permits are needed to enter the core area from the Government, which restricts entry as these forests are protected by law. Hence, there are no shops inside the core area. So it is not possible to buy milk, tobacco, alcohol or cereals. Tribals are forced to live off the land.
Outsiders are not allowed to enter the core area. Hence, these tribals rarely meet outsiders.