Crocodile Census: Bhitarkanika To Bar Visitors For Nine Days

Kendrapada: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district will remain closed to visitors for nine days from January 15 for the annual census of estuarine crocodiles.

The national park will be closed for the safety of visitors as well as for the smooth conduct of the census, Forest Department sources said.

According to the sources, 22 teams will carry out the census in the creeks, nullahs and rivers in the national park and its nearby areas.

The census will be carried out under the supervision of wildlife personnel, crocodile researchers, and experts.

Notably, the annual census of the saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika National Park was scheduled to begin from January 5. Later, it was postponed due to some reasons.