Wildlife Conservation / Tourist Entry Restricted As Crocodile Census Begins At Bhitarkanika
Key Points
- A three-day crocodile census started at Bhitarkanika National Park, Rajnagar, on January 8, restricting tourist entry until January 10.
- The Forest Department has formed 24 teams with four members each, including officials and experts.
- Of these, 18 teams will operate inside the park and six outside, covering rivers, creeks, and canals.
- The census coincides with the post-amavasya period, when riverbeds remain exposed, making crocodiles easier to spot.
Kendrapara, Jan 8: The annual crocodile census began this morning at Bhitarkanika National Park, Rajnagar. The three-day exercise will continue from January 8 to January 10, during which tourist entry into the park has been restricted.
According to the Forest Department, 24 teams comprising forest officials and experts have been deployed for the census.
Each team includes four members. Of these, 18 teams will conduct the count inside Bhitarkanika National Park, while six teams will cover areas outside the park.
The census will extend to rivers, creeks, and canals adjoining Bhitarkanika where crocodiles are commonly found.
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Officials noted that the timing of the census coincides with
the post-amavasya (new moon) period, when high tides do not occur and riverbeds
remain exposed. This makes it easier to spot crocodiles both during the day and
at night.
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The teams will also record footprints and resting marks of crocodiles along riverbanks, measuring their length to determine age categories.
The census is expected to provide updated data on the crocodile population in Bhitarkanika, which is home to one of the largest estuarine crocodile habitats in India.
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