Bhubaneswar: There are 54 endangered species including 17 species of reptiles, 15 species of birds and 22 species of mammals that have been identified in Odisha, as per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Data Book.
This was informed by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganeshram Singkhuntia while replying to a question of MLA Ramesh Chandra Behra.
To protect wild animals in their natural habitat 19 sanctuaries, one national park, two tiger reserves, three elephant reserves and one biosphere reserve have been constituted in the State, the Minister said.
Anti-poaching and anti-smuggling squads equipped with vehicles, arms, and communication networks have been deployed at vulnerable points to prevent poaching and monitoring the movement of suspected poachers, he said.
Similarly, forest field staff are being trained to improve intelligence gathering in order to prevent poaching of wild animals as well as effective handling of detection and processing of wild life cases to ensure higher rates of conviction.
The Minister further said that 24×7 control room has been setup in forest divisions, circles and headquarters level to received information from the public on wildlife matter
Vana Samrakshana Samiti and eco development committee members, and school students are being motivated to join hands with the Forest department to save wild lives and reduce human elephant conflict, he added.
Besides, habitat enrichment works are being taken up in forest areas by raising fodder plantations, creation & renovation of water bodies and fire prevention works.
During the last five years (2019-20 to 2023-24), a total Rs 233.65 crore has been spent for protection of wildlife in the State, he added.