Baripada, Aug. 8: Authorities of the Similipal Tiger Reserve are focusing on the development of meadows and water bodies located in the core area of the sanctuary.

The move is meant to facilitate the population growth of both predators and preys.

There are around 25 meadows and 30 artificial water bodies, besides natural springs over nearly 1,100sqkm of the tiger reserve.

"Pasture land as well as water body management is significant for the growth of both predators and preys. During the monsoon, we are focusing on the meadows, while renovation of the water bodies will be taken up after rains," said deputy director of the tiger reserve, Ajit Satpathy.

For the purpose, the authorities have also engaged a research officer. Besides, they have plans to plant fruit-bearing trees such as blackberry, jackfruit, pichola (Kydia calycina) and outenga (Dillenia indica) around the water bodies.

At present, jobs are on to weed out the shrubs, and the land is being prepared for the growth of selected types of grass. While around 16 types of grass are found in and around the forest, only four of them are edible for the animals.

"We allow the growth of edible grass while the other types are removed before flowering and seeding in the monsoon," said research officer Triptirekha Kar.