WEBINDIA123 (India) 02 February 06 Salt Water Crocodile population up in Bhitarkanika
Kendrapada: As many as 1454 Salt Water (Estuarine) crocodiles were sighted inside the Bhitarkanika National Park during an annual census conducted recently, showing a rise in the reptile population.
The census was carried out for eight days between January 3 and 10.
The census was conducted under the supervision of wildlife personnel, crocodile researchers and experts covering the Bhitarkanika river system besides innumerable creeks, water inlets and nullahs, where the reptiles were found in abundance.
According to official sources, the forest officials sighted at least 54 nests in the rivulets, water-inlets, creeks and nullahs of Bhitarkanika sanctuary.
About 50-60 eggs of the reptile in each nests had been sighted by the forest officials during the nesting season in July last.
According to the DFO of Rajnagar, out of 1454 Salt Water crocodiles sighted during the census, 657 were hatchlings, 283 were yearlings, 196 of juveniles being three years old, 121 sub-adults salt water crocodiles and 197 adult salt water crocodiles.
The forest official said a 23-foot long salt water crocodile, considered to be the biggest one, was sighted in the water bodies of Bhitarkanika.
In 2005 census, about 1449 salt water crocodile were counted by the forest department as against 1358 reported in 2004 census.
Salt Water Crocodile population up in Bhitarkanika