The renowned Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapada district will temporarily close its doors to tourists for a crucial wildlife exercise. The forest department has announced a restriction on tourist entry from January 8 to January 10, 2024, to facilitate the annual census of the iconic saltwater crocodiles.
Elaborate Census Operation Planned
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Varadaraj Gaonkar confirmed the three-day closure, stating that the move is essential for an accurate and undisturbed count of the reptiles. The census will see enumerators, supported by trained local forest staff and herpetologists, fanning out across the vast Bhitarkanika river system. Their survey will cover innumerable creeks, water inlets, and nullahs within the park's ecosystem.
Leading the technical expertise is noted crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar. He revealed that at least 22 dedicated teams will be deployed for the mammoth task. In preparation, the department will train approximately 100 individuals from the Bhitarkanika area on the precise methodology of counting these reptiles.
Night Counts and Tech-Driven Methodology
This year's census will employ a sophisticated, multi-pronged approach to ensure accuracy. "Night counting gives a better result since identification of hatchlings and yearlings is easier," explained Sudhakar Kar. The teams will leverage technology extensively during the process.
The key tools and methods include:
- GPS devices to precisely log locations.
- Digital cameras to capture images that note the exact date and time of sightings. These photographs will later be used to measure the length and estimate the age of individual crocodiles.
- Thermometers to record water temperature, an important environmental factor.
- Recording of field data on eye shine count during night surveys.
- Deployment of soundless boats to approach the sensitive reptiles without causing disturbance.
Building on Previous Year's Success
The annual census is a critical exercise for monitoring the health and population trends of one of India's most significant saltwater crocodile habitats. The efforts have shown positive results. In the January 2023 census, forest officials recorded a thriving population of 1,826 crocodiles within the park's waterways.
The temporary tourist restriction, while an inconvenience for visitors, underscores the forest department's commitment to scientific wildlife management. The data gathered from this intensive three-day exercise will provide invaluable insights for the ongoing conservation and protection strategies for the majestic saltwater crocodiles of Bhitarkanika.
