Crocodile count up in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika

Kendrapara: The population of saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika National Park and its nearby areas in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has registered a substantial rise this year, an official of the State Forest Department said today.

According to the annual reptile census report, this year saw an increase of 44 estuarine crocodiles.

As many as 1742 estuarine crocodiles were sighted this year in Bhitarkanika National Park. Last year, 1698 saltwater crocodiles were sighted in the park, the official informed.

In 2017 census, the forest officials had sighted around 1,682 crocodiles.

Out of 1,682 salt water crocodiles, the number of hatchlings were 608 while yearlings numbered 334, juveniles 266 (3-6 feet), sub adults 172 (6-8 feet) and adults 302 (8-20 feet ).

It may be noted that the Bhitarkanika National Park authorities had imposed a ban from January 6 to January 14 on tourists to prevent noise pollution during the census drive.