TV
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha will remain off-limits to tourists from May 1 to July 31, coinciding with the critical breeding season of the saltwater crocodiles. Forest officials announced the closure on Monday, aiming to protect the reptiles from human disturbance during this sensitive period.
Heightened Aggression During Nesting
Manas Das, Assistant Chief Conservator of Forests (ACF), highlighted the significance of this measure. "Female crocodiles become particularly aggressive during this time, and most crocodile attacks take place in the nesting season," he added. The aim is to minimise human interaction that could provoke the crocodiles, ensuring both animal and human safety.
Strict Protective Measures Implemented
The park, which is home to 1,826 saltwater crocodiles as of January 2025, has put stringent measures in place to safeguard nesting sites. Forest guards have been directed to closely monitor mother crocodiles, who typically lay between 50 and 60 eggs per nest and vigilantly protect them until they hatch.
To further support conservation, local villagers have been banned from entering the forest for activities such as honey collection and wood gathering, as these can trigger aggressive behaviour in protective mother crocodiles. Additionally, the use of mechanised boats has been prohibited to reduce disturbances in breeding zones.
Insights into Crocodile Nesting Behaviour
The female crocodiles construct their nests using mangrove twigs, leaves, and mud, carefully choosing elevated areas to shield their eggs from flooding. Despite these efforts, survival rates remain low, with only one in 500 eggs reaching adulthood in the wild.
A Conservation Success Story
Bhitarkanika National Park’s conservation initiatives have seen crocodile numbers rise dramatically from just 97 in 1974 to current levels. As a result, the park closed its 50-year-old artificial breeding programme at Dangamala in February 2024. The site holds a Guinness World Record for housing a 23-foot-long crocodile, recorded in 2006. The park's conservation journey commenced in 1975 with support from a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative.
Officials hope that the seasonal closure will continue to support the flourishing population of this endangered reptile, safeguarding Bhitarkanika's unique ecosystem for future generations.
