Environment

Bhitarkanika National Park to Remain Close for Annual Crocodile Census from Jan 5

Kendrapada: In preparation for the yearly census of saltwater crocodiles, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district will enforce a nine-day restriction on tourist entry starting this Friday.

A dedicated team of 22 enumerators, supported by trained local forest staff and herpetologists, including renowned crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar, will cover the river system, creeks, water inlets, and nullahs during the census. Rivers and canals in Mahakalapada, Rajnagar, Gahirmatha, and Kania will be covered.

The Forest Department will utilize soundless boats and prohibit visitor access to prevent noise pollution that could disrupt the counting process.

The teams are likely to use GPS technology to map the exact locations of crocodiles, using digital cameras for photographic interpretation, including the date and time, to measure the length and age of the reptiles.

In 2023, a  total of 1,793 crocodiles were recorded while in 2022 it was 1,784.

Bureau The News Hashtag

Recent Posts

Centre Approves Procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds for Odisha Under PSS for Rabi 2025–26

Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to farmers, the Government of India has approved procurement of…

18 hours ago

Odisha Cabinet Approves City Gas Distribution Policy to Boost PNG, CNG Infrastructure

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Tuesday approved the…

18 hours ago

Odisha H&UD Department Reviews Reform Agenda on Civil Services Day

Bhubaneswar: Reinforcing its commitment to responsive and people-centric governance, the Housing & Urban Development Department…

19 hours ago

Odisha Unveils New Tourism Tagline ‘Think India, Think Odisha’

Bhubaneswar: Aiming to reposition itself on the global tourism map, the Odisha government on Tuesday…

20 hours ago

CM Majhi Announces ₹838 Cr Aid, Unveils Seed Distribution Drive for Farmers

Bhubaneswar: Marking Akshaya Trutiya and State-level Farmers’ Day, the Odisha government on Monday rolled out…

3 days ago

‘Vande Mataram’ Painting Camp Concludes in Bhubaneswar, Celebrates 150 Years of National Song

Bhubaneswar: A three-day painting camp themed on “Vande Mataram” concluded at Shakuntala Gallery, bringing together…

3 days ago