Bird census held at Bhitarkaniaka

Pattamundai: One-day bird census was held at Bhitarkanika National Park on Thursday.

According to sources, the counting was held at Kujanga, Mahakalapada, Gahiramatha, Kanika and Rajnagar ranges of the Wildife Sanctuary.

The detailed list of birds found at the reserve park during the census will be declared by the evening today, said, Rajnagar divisional forest officer.

Meanwhile, the census of saltwater crocodile at Bhitarkanika showed a rise in their population this year. The annual enumeration, which ended on Wednesday, has put the head-count at 1,682. The census witnessed more 11 crocodiles this time. Last year, the crocodile population in the national park was pegged at 1,671.

Also read: Migratory birds arrive in Bhitarkanika

The authorities of Bhitarkanika Wildife Sanctuary, home to the largest population of estuarine crocodiles, had carried out the head count operation from January 2 to 8 in the creeks, rivers and water bodies located across the four ranges which include Kanika, Rajnagar, Mahakalpada and Gahirmatha.

As many as 1,303 crocodiles were sighted at Kanika range by the census teams.