TV
After remaining closed for three months, Bhitarkanika National Park will reopen to tourists from August 1, marking the end of the critical breeding season of saltwater crocodiles.
The park was shut from May 1 to July 31 to provide an undisturbed environment for the nesting and hatching of crocodile eggs. This annual closure is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the animals and visitors, as female crocodiles become highly aggressive while guarding their nests.
A total of 116 nesting sites of endangered estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles have been recorded by wildlife staff in the marshy wetland areas of Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park this year. This marks a slight increase compared to the 114 nesting sites documented in 2024.
Forest officials have confirmed that all tourist facilities have been restored and safety protocols are in place for the reopening. Boating services and guided nature trails will resume, allowing visitors to once again explore the park’s unique mangrove ecosystem and rich biodiversity.
A Conservation Success Story
Bhitarkanika National Park’s conservation initiatives have seen crocodile numbers rise dramatically from just 97 in 1974 to 1,826 as of January 2025.
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.
