bhitarkanika national park

A 54-year-old woman, Chabi Bhukta, bravely fought off a saltwater crocodile attack in the Ramachandi river within bhitarkanika national park. She managed to escape by pricking the reptile's eyes with a spoon after it grabbed her hand. The incident occurred two months after a fisherman was killed by a crocodile in the same area.

Saltwater crocodiles are entering villages to lay eggs, increasing human-crocodile conflict near bhitarkanika national park. The forest department is educating villagers and deploying a quick response team. Barricades are placed at river ghats. The park remains closed to tourists until July 31. Compensation is provided for victims.

Forest officials in Kendrapada apprehended two individuals, seizing 10 kg of spotted deer meat, a weapon, and traps. The poachers confessed to killing the animal on Friday night and were planning to sell the venison. They were produced in court and remanded to judicial custody. Environmentalists highlight the challenges faced by wildlife due to summer scarcity, making them vulnerable.

bhitarkanika national park authorities are implementing special measures to protect wildlife during the intense summer heat. Artificial water tanks and renovated ponds are being utilized to provide drinking water, while increased patrolling aims to deter poachers. Special attention is also being given to penned crocodiles and hatchlings, with fire lines and extinguishers in place to prevent forest fires.

An 11-foot saltwater crocodile, approximately 10 years old, was discovered dead in the Hansua river within bhitarkanika national park. Forest officials suspect a territorial fight or entanglement in fishing nets as potential causes for its demise. This incident marks the 16th unnatural crocodile death in the park over six years, raising concerns for the protected species.

A 47-year-old man was seriously injured in a crocodile attack in the Kharasrota river, marking the second incident in two days. The same crocodile, believed to have traveled from Bhitarkanika, is suspected in both attacks. Forest officials are now working to capture the stray reptile.

Forest officials stopped a demolition drive against illegal shrimp farms in bhitarkanika national park. Owners and locals resisted, assaulting forest personnel. One guard sustained head injuries. The drive was temporarily halted. Officials plan to mobilize more police to resume the demolition of all illegal shrimp farms in the area.

A severe LPG shortage in Kendrapada district has compelled rural residents to revert to cow-dung cakes for cooking, leading to a significant surge in demand. This shift has created an income source for many, though some younger generations are unfamiliar with the traditional method. Villagers near bhitarkanika national park, restricted from collecting firewood, are also increasingly reliant on cow-dung cakes.

A 54-year-old fisherman was fatally attacked by a saltwater crocodile in the Gobari river near bhitarkanika national park. This incident marks the latest in a series of fatal attacks, highlighting the intensifying human-crocodile conflict in the region. The forest department is implementing measures like barricades and awareness campaigns to mitigate risks.

Two poachers were arrested by forest officials and seized 4 kg of venison and a motorcycle from them in Banabiharipur village within bhitarkanika national park, on Tuesday evening.

With the end of the winter season, it is the time for thousands of migratory birds in bhitarkanika national park to bid adieu to their home of nearly five months. They have started flying back to their summer homes, leaving behind the water bodies and mangrove trees that nourished them and kept them comfortable on the long, cold winter days and nights.

With 66 per cent rise in the number of winter migratory birds, bhitarkanika national park has re-established its status as one of the prominent avian habitats in Odisha.

Forest officials have spotted about 50 saltwater crocodile nests near the creeks, nullahs and river system of bhitarkanika national park during the ongoing nesting season.

The bhitarkanika national park may make it to the list of world heritage sites.The large mangrove eco-system has been nominated as one among the nine natural eco-sites of the country for the coveted tag.