Tikarapara (Or Satakosia) is a biological refuge and is considered as an important biogeography atepping atone in the link between forests species of Central India and South India. Satokosia George sanctuary has been renamed comprising of three erstwhile sanctuaries such as Raigoda,Padmatola and Mahanadi.This sanctuary derives it’s name from “sat” (seven) and Kosh (two miles) meaning 14 miles or 22kms long gorge of the river Mahanadi .Bio-Geographically ,the area,north of Mahanadi is classed under Godjat hills and that of the south uner North Eastern Ghats.This region is I n fact ,the meeting point of chhotnagpur pleatuea and Easternghat biotic province.It is the second tiger reserve of orissa .
The sylvan beauty of Labangi, Raigoda, the Spectacular George view at Tikarpara with chain of wooded towering hills or either side Sitapani, Baliput, Badmul and magnificent Hinjal forest along Mahanadi are most fascinating and absorbing .Satkosia has the significant genetic and ecological importance as it is the wet portion of the Decan Zone.It is famous for its unique gorge Eco System and serves as moodier water shed for the entire sanctuary and its periohery.
The vegetation of Satokosia largetly compriesers to Northern tropical most deciduous forests and most peninaular low level sal. The main trees species are asan,kurum,dasi,plasai,rose,wood,kochila,hinjal,sisoo,mahil,gambhar,amala,kindu,karada.patal,garuda etc.Plain lands and gentle slopes have been planted with teak. So far 400 species of plants (126 trees,98 shrubs,125 herbs and 51 climbers) have been recorded in the sanctuary.
Major Fauna of this sanctuary includes Pangalin,Mouse deer,barking deer,spotted deer,samber,Chousingha,Nilgai,Gaur,Elephant,Wild boar,Jackal,Wild dog, wolf,leopard,tiger etc.Varities of colourful birds such as Malabar pied hornbill,hill myna,shaheen falcon, emerld dove,great stone,plover,stork billed kings fisher and the migratory birds are seen in this sanctuary.Besides there are numerous species of repitiles (gharial,mugger crocodile,gecko,king kobra,banded krait,rock python,rat snake etc)ambhians and invariable fauna (giant wild spider,butter fly etc)Satokosia George of the river Mahanadi is one of the best habitat of the endangered gharial (Gravialis gangeticus) in the country and few such habitats in the entire world. A Research and Conservation Unit was established at Tikarpada (close to gorge) during 1975 for rear and rehabilitation of Gharials. So far 38 species of mammals,128 species of brids,27 species of reptiles ,4 species of amphibians and 183 species of fish have been recorded in this sanctuary.
Tourist can see here and get the knowledge on Flora & Fauna, Gharial Research and Conservation Centre and use watch tower to see animals at Kandhida, Kadalikhola and Kantarsingha.
