More Crocodile Nests Spotted In Bhitarkanika

Kendrapara: More nesting sites of the saltwater crocodiles have been spotted in the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.

The identification of the nesting sites was completed by the Forest staffs recently.

“Last year, we had identified 80 nesting sites of the estuarine crocodile inside Bhitarkanika. The number has gone up to 101 this year,” Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Rajnagar Wildlife Division Bimal Prasanna Acharya told mediapersons on Monday.

He said of the 101 nesting sites, 84 have been found in Kanika Wildlife Range, 13 in Rajnagar, 3 in Gahirmatha and 1 in Mahakalapada range.

The crocodiles lay eggs and hatchlings come out during May to July every year.

The female crocodile searches for a place for laying eggs. After identifying the place, it digs out a portion and lays eggs after which it covers them with leaves and straws. Each female crocodile lays about 40-50 eggs from which the hatchlings come out after 75 days.

It may be mentioned that every year, the Forest department bans entry of tourists into the Park for three months from May 1 to July 31 in view of the breeding season of the crocodiles.

“During the breeding season, the saltwater crocodiles become very aggressive and attack people without provocation,” the DFO informed.