The Similipal Biosphere Reserve came into existence during 1994 as per Man And Biosphere (MAB) programme of UNESCO with the objective of bringing the people and domestic cattle along with the Forest & Wildlife into one fold of management so that the economic condition of the people is enriched through eco-development programmes so that the dependency on the forest is reduced. It is located in the district of Mayurbhanj between 20 17’ E Latitude and 85 40’ E Longitude. The total area under the Biosphere Reserve is 5569 km with Similipal Sanctuary at the nucleus.