Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park to remain Shut From January 4 For Crocodile Census

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Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara distritct will remain out of bounds for 11 days from January 4 to 14 for nature lovers for the annual headcount exercise of estuarine crocodiles.

The national park’s closure during the period will ensure the smooth and human interference-free census operation. Any form of human activity would come in the way of the meticulous census of these reptiles. That’s why the curb on tourists’ footfall has been imposed.

The headcount of the crocodile will b carried out by forest department official under the supervision of crocodile expert Dr. Sudhakar Kar, during both day and night times.

As per the findings of the last year’s headcount of the reptiles, the number of crocodiles in the National Park remains 1,768.

Bhitarkanika is said to house 70 per cent of India’s estuarine crocodile or saltwater crocodiles, conservation of which was started way back in 1975.