Kendrapara: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district will remain closed from May 1 to July 31 in view of the mating and nesting season of saltwater crocodiles.
The notification aims to keep tourists and visitors away from the sanctuary during the breeding time of the saltwater crocodiles. As per the notification, visitors will not be allowed to enter the national park during the breeding season.
This was notified by the Forest Department to keep tourists and visitors away from the sanctuary during the breeding time, said the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the park, JD Pati on Saturday.
Such restrictions will be imposed at Bhitarkanika, Dangamala and Ragadapati forest blocks.
Local forest dwellers have also been prohibited from entering the area for collection of honey and wood.
The female reptiles lay eggs and guard those till the emergence of hatchlings. Instruction has been issued to forest guards to keep a vigil on the eggs as wild animals like snakes, wild boars, and fishing cats destroy the eggs. The guards will also keep a watch on the movement of mother crocodiles.
Several saltwater crocodile nesting sites were spotted at the creeks, nullahs, and river systems in the park area last year.
