Bhitarkanika National Park to be closed for 3 days for crocodile census

Kendrapada: Restriction on the entry of tourists into Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district will be imposed from Jan 8 to 10 in view of the annual census of saltwater crocodiles, said divisional forest officer (DFO)Varadaraj Gaonkar.

“Enumerators assisted by trained local forest staff and herpetologists, including crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar, would cover the Bhitarkanika river system besides innumerable creeks, water inlets and nullah. In Jan, forest officials counted 1,826 crocodiles,” the DFO said.


“At least 22 teams will be engaged to count the crocodiles. We will soon train around 100 people in Bhitarkanika on the method of counting reptiles. Night counting gives a better result since identification of hatchlings and yearlings is easier. We will also use thermometers to measure the temperature of water and GPS during the process. We will use digital cameras to note the exact date and time of the crocodile locations. The researchers will use the pictures to measure the length and age of crocodiles. Field data on eye shine count will also be taken,” said Kar.

“Forest department will deploy soundless boats during the reptile census,” he added.

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Merry Christmas wishes, messages and quotes !