Bhubaneswar: Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha will remain closed to tourists from May 1 to July 31 for the critical breeding season of saltwater crocodiles.
As per Assistant Chief Conservator of Forests (ACF) Manas Das, the closure of the national park for three months is aimed at preventing disturbances to the reptiles during their nesting and breeding period.
Female crocodiles become particularly aggressive during this time and most crocodile attacks occur in the nesting season, he said.
As per the latest census, Bhitarkanika in Kendrapada district is home to 1,826 saltwater crocodiles.
As part of efforts to protect the breeding grounds, the forest department has implemented strict measures. Forest guards will monitor the mother crocodiles, who lay 50 to 60 eggs per nest and vigilantly guard them until they hatch.
This apart, local villagers have been prohibited from entering the park during this period.
Activities such as honey collection and wood gathering could provoke the protective mother crocodiles. The ban also extends to mechanised boat operations to minimize any disturbances to the breeding reptiles.
