Odisha news: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Jan 23: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district reopened for tourists on Thursday after a nine-day closure for the annual crocodile census. The park had been closed from January 14 to 22 to facilitate the smooth conduct of the census, which was carried out between January 19 and 21.
This year, the crocodile population in the park showed a slight increase. According to Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav, 1,826 crocodiles were counted, up from 1,811 recorded in the previous year. The census was led by senior biologist and researcher Sudhakar Kar, who oversaw the meticulous process.
Notably, two crocodiles measuring over 20 feet in length were spotted near the FRH Jetty, with another one seen between Gupti and Hansina. These massive reptiles are estimated to be between 100 to 120 years old. The census also revealed the presence of several large crocodiles, more than 15 feet long, in areas such as Balipatha, Thanpati, and Jayanagar-Khola.
In addition, the number of white crocodiles has increased, with 20 spotted this year, up from 16 last year. However, the population of smaller crocodiles, those measuring between 6 to 8 feet, has decreased.
