Bhitarkanika National Park to remain closed from January 5 till January 13 for crocodile census

Kendrapara: The Bhitarkanika National Park to remain closed for nine days for tourists from January 5 till January 13 to carry out the headcount of the salt water crocodiles, informed Rajnagar forest official.

The counting of the salt water crocodiles will be organised under the supervision of DFO of Rajnagar Mangrove and wildlife division.

The tourists are not allowed inside the park to prevent noise pollution during the census drive and can be conducted smoothly. They would cover the water inlets, nullahs and innumerable creeks where the crocodiles are found to be abundant.

During day and night, the counting will be done with the help of Huli boats.

A total of 22 teams will be engaged to count the crocodiles and around 100 persons will be trained to know the method of counting reptiles.

Last year, 1793 Estuarine crocodiles were spotted in and outside the water of the Rajnagar forest division during the counting process.

Also Read: Crocodile population increases in Bhitarkanika