Kendrapada: The world-famous Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Kendrapara district will remained closed for visitors from today till July 31.
As per the official reports, the entry of visitors into the wildlife sanctuary will be prohibited for nearly three months for the smooth breeding and nesting activities of estuarine crocodiles.
The authorities took this decision of closing the sanctuary for a brief period to ensure the safety of tourists as the reptiles turn violent during their breeding and nesting activities.
Earlier, the park remained close for nine days in January 2024. The nine-day closure was enforced from January 5th, to 13th to facilitate the annual census of estuarine crocodiles and migratory birds in the sanctuary. Crocodile counting was going on for 3 days from January 10th to 12th.
According to the crocodile census, a total of 1,811 crocodiles have been counted in the Delta area of Mahanadi River, canals, and drenches of the sanctuary this year. There has been an increase of 18 crocodiles compared to last year’s 1,793 crocodiles.
The counting was conducted by 22 teams divided into 51 units. Crocodile counts were carried out both at night and during the day. A maximum of 1,224 crocodiles have been found in Kanika Range.