Odisha: Bhitarkanika National Park Closes for Annual Crocodile Census
By : Akshaya Kumar Sahoo
Update: 2025-01-15 05:39 GMT
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district will remain closed to tourists and locals from January 14 to 22 to facilitate the annual crocodile census, according to the Rajnagar forest division.
The actual crocodile count will be conducted from January 19 to 21 across rivers and creeks within the park and surrounding areas. The interim closure will allow the park's water bodies to stabilize, ensuring the crocodiles remain undisturbed during the process.
Census Details
“Bhitarkanika will be closed from January 14 to 22, with counting scheduled from January 19 to 21. This gap allows the water to stabilize and ensures crocodiles remain undisturbed in their natural habitat,” said Bhitarkanika Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sudarsan Gopinath Yadav.
The census will be led by renowned herpetologist and wildlife researcher Dr. Sudhakar Kar, with assistance from forest officials. The count will cover four key ranges: Kanika, Rajnagar, Mahakalapada, and Gahirmatha. Observations will be carried out during morning and evening hours using traditional small boats known as huli danga.
Rising Crocodile Numbers
The actual crocodile count will be conducted from January 19 to 21 across rivers and creeks within the park and surrounding areas. The interim closure will allow the park's water bodies to stabilize, ensuring the crocodiles remain undisturbed during the process.
Census Details
“Bhitarkanika will be closed from January 14 to 22, with counting scheduled from January 19 to 21. This gap allows the water to stabilize and ensures crocodiles remain undisturbed in their natural habitat,” said Bhitarkanika Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sudarsan Gopinath Yadav.
The census will be led by renowned herpetologist and wildlife researcher Dr. Sudhakar Kar, with assistance from forest officials. The count will cover four key ranges: Kanika, Rajnagar, Mahakalapada, and Gahirmatha. Observations will be carried out during morning and evening hours using traditional small boats known as huli danga.
Rising Crocodile Numbers
In 2024, Bhitarkanika recorded 1,811 saltwater crocodiles, a slight increase from 1,793 in 2023. The census aims to monitor the population trend and assess the health of the crocodile habitat.
Awareness Initiatives
Awareness Initiatives
In addition to the census, forest officials have planned a crocodile protection and awareness programme to educate locals and tourists about preserving the eco-sensitive zone of Bhitarkanika, which is known for its rich biodiversity.
The park, a significant breeding ground for saltwater crocodiles, remains a crucial conservation site in India.
The park, a significant breeding ground for saltwater crocodiles, remains a crucial conservation site in India.