The bird census in the Bhitarkanika National Park under Rajnagar Wildlife Division in Odisha’s Kendrapada district has kicked off.
As many as three teams comprising four to five forest officials, ornithologists, wildlife experts each have been deployed in the census in five ranges of the national park.
The head counting exercise is scheduled to continue till September 12.
At present however, the census activity has been affected due to the heavy rain inflicted by the low pressure system in Bay of Bengal.
As per the census team, the enumeration drive will continue for two to three days more.
The census will be carried out at Laxmi Prasad, Durga Prasad and Mathaadia areas of Bhitarakanika.
The number of local birds of different species like open billstork, little cormorant, intermediate egret, purpole heron, darter will be counted this year during the census.
Notably, 1,08,639 numbers of birds including 45,656 adult birds and 62,983 chicks were spotted in the park last year during the monsoon.
The national park has been closed for tourists and visitors for the census activity in water bodies inside and outside the wildlife sanctuary.