Rajnagar: There is good news for wildlife lovers: the number of estuarine crocodiles in the Bhitarkanika National Park and nearby river and nullahs has increased to 1671 this year, according to latest census report.
A total of 1580 crocodiles were sighted in the Bhitarkanika National Park alone while 1284 were found in the Kanika range, 296 in the Rajnagar range, 69 in the Mahakalpada range and 22 in the Gahiramatha range, sources said.
In Patashalamukha, Gururapala, Manhisamada, Kuajora, Bhramaramari, Kathua, Balijor, Khola, Thanapati, Ganjeikhia and Kalibhanjapur, 32 crocodiles of length between 18 and 22 feet were found.
The crocodile census was undertaken by 26 teams in the wildlife sanctuary under chairmanship of Rajnagar DFO Bimal Prasanna Acharya.
Last year, 1665 crocodiles were spotted in the wildlife sanctuary.