Bhubaneswar, May 1: The renowned Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in Odisha's Kendrapara district, will remain off-limits to visitors from today until July 31st.

Official sources indicate that the sanctuary's closure aims to facilitate unhindered breeding and nesting activities of estuarine crocodiles, renowned inhabitants of the park.

Authorities have taken this precautionary measure to safeguard tourists, considering the heightened aggression displayed by the reptiles during their reproductive phases.

Previously, the park underwent a nine-day closure in January 2024, from the 5th to the 13th, to facilitate the annual census of estuarine crocodiles and migratory birds. The crocodile census, spanning three days from January 10th to 12th, revealed a total count of 1,811 crocodiles inhabiting the Delta area of the Mahanadi River, as well as its canals and waterways within the sanctuary.

This figure marks a modest increase of 18 crocodiles compared to the previous year's count of 1,793. The census involved 22 teams divided into 51 units, conducting counts round-the-clock. The Kanika Range emerged with the highest concentration, recording 1,224 crocodiles.

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