Kendrapara, Jan 14: Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park will be closed for visitors from today to carry out their annual saltwater crocodile census.
The park will remain closed for nine days till January 22.
Rajnagar Forest Officer Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav said that the crocodile census will take place across four forest ranges of Rajnagar, with a total of 22 teams formed for the task. These teams will include forest officials, wildlife researchers, and local residents, all working together to count the saltwater crocodile population in the region.
This year’s census will also include the outer canal of Bhitarkanika. The closure of the park during this period is essential to ensure the safety and accuracy of the census.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips after the census concludes, as the park will reopen to the public on January 23.
