Silent Sanctuary: Bhitarkanika Closes for Croc Nesting Season

Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha closes for three months to protect saltwater crocodiles during their mating season. Tourist activities are halted to avoid disturbing the reptiles, which could lead to aggressive behavior. The park is a remarkable conservation success, with crocodile numbers rising significantly since 1974.

Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district has been temporarily closed to visitors for three months as part of efforts to protect saltwater crocodiles during their mating and nesting season, officials confirmed.

The closure, effective from May 1, aims to create a disturbance-free environment for the estuarine crocodiles, which can become violent if interrupted during this critical period. Manas Das, Assistant Chief Conservator, emphasized the adverse impact of mechanized boat noises on the reptiles, adding that most crocodile attacks occur during this time.

Crocodile conservation in Bhitarkanika is a national success story, with the population soaring from less than 100 in 1974 to 1,858 in January this year. Odisha remains unique for hosting all three crocodile species found in India.