Bhitarkanika National Park Reopens for Tourist After Crocodile Survey

Kendrapara: Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park has reopened for tourists after the completion of crocodile population survey.

The national park was closed for tourists due to the crocodile census. The survey was conducted from January 9 to 11.

According to reports, the population of estuarine crocodiles is marginal at Bhitarkanika National Park. As many as 1793 crocodiles were sighted in and outside the water bodies of Rajanagar Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife).

Last year, the number of crocodiles at Bhitarkanika National Park was 1784. This year, the number rose to only nine.

According to officials, total 569 hatchlings, 388 yearlings, 325 juveniles, 166 sub-adults and 345 adult crocodiles were spotted as per the status survey report this January.