Bhitarkanika National Park to remain closed for crocodile census from Jan 6-14

Kendrapara: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district will remain closed for visitors as the authorities have decided to to organise the annual head count drive of the estuarine crocodile coming January 6 to 14.

During this nine-day, the census of migratory birds and saltwater crocodiles will be conducted at Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, said a forest official.

The census drive of Salt water crocodile will be organised under the supervision of wildlife personnel and crocodile researchers and experts.

The bird census will be conducted by the Rajnagar forest in water body of Satabhaya, Raipatia, Matha Adia, Gupti Ghat, Hansila Ghat and wide wetland of lighthouse along with Bhitarkanika National Park located at Kendrapara district of Odisha.

The officials to be participating in the teams for bird and crocodile census will be imparted training on January 5 to conduct the counting, sources said.

During the last annual crocodile census, at least 1,698 number of salt water (Estuarine) crocodiles, including three reptiles measuring more than 20 feet, had been sighted in and outside the water bodies of Rajnagar Mangrove forest Division (wildlife).