Archive · 3 Jun 2025
Bhitarkanika National Park Begins Annual Crocodile Nest Count
Forest workers in Bhitarkanika National Park are starting their yearly count of crocodile nests.
This is tricky because female crocodiles get very protective of their nests.
The park is closed to visitors to avoid bothering the crocodiles.
A team of 30 trained people will do the counting, which involves going through the mangrove forests.
Each nest usually has around 50-60 eggs.
Counting is important to keep track of how many crocodiles there are and protect them.
There are dangers, like aggressive crocodiles and snakes.
Sometimes crocodiles nest near where people live, and sadly, some people get hurt or die each year.
Forest personnel in Bhitarkanika National Park have started their annual crocodile nest counting.
The operation involves navigating through dense mangrove forests and waterways.
The park is closed to tourists from May 1 to July 31 to minimize disturbance to the crocodiles.
Each female crocodile typically lays 50-60 eggs per nest.
Crocodile attacks claim 6-8 lives annually in the area.
- Who
- Forest personnel.
- What
- Crocodile nest counting operation.
- When
- Annually during nesting season.
- Where
- Bhitarkanika National Park.
- Why
- To monitor the crocodile population and implement conservation strategies.
- Forest Personnel Team Size
- 30
- Nesting Sites Last Year
- 114
- Crocodiles in Jan Census
- 1,826
- Tourist Ban Period
- May 1 to July 31
- Eggs Per Nest
- 50-60
- Annual Crocodile Attack Fatalities
- 6-8