One of the most famous regions for its wildlife sanctuaries, Odisha offers a protected yet natural habitat to the state's incredible wildlife. Out of 155,707 sq. kms geographical area of Odisha, 52,472 sq. kms is recorded forest area, but the actual figure is 47,033 sq. kms according to the survey conducted by State of Forest Report (SFR 1999. For providing proper protection to the wildlife and their habitat 18 sanctuaries are notified as Protected Areas such as Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary, one National Park (Bhitarkanika), one proposed National Park have been notified under the provisions of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.Tigers, Leopards, Elephant, Bear, Deer, Sambar, Black Buck and Wolves are seen frequently in the dense forests and hilly parts of the state.
The state is popular for its 19 species of amphibians, 110 species of reptiles, 473 species of birds and 86 species of mammals. More than 225 species of fish including Acentrogobius griseus, Alepes Djedaba, Arius Arius and Elops Machnata are available here. The state is too popular for having 3 mass nesting beaches of rare Olive Ridley Sea Turtles including world's largest nesting ground of Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Lepidochelys Olivacea. Largest wetland of Asia (Chilika) now designated as a Ramsar site in Odisha.