Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: The Bhitarkanika National Park authorities have announced a three-day closure of the park for tourists from January 8 to 10, 2026, to facilitate the annual crocodile census. The scientifically significant exercise aims to estimate the population of estuarine crocodiles inhabiting the mangrove ecosystem and adjoining water bodies of the park.

According to forest officials, the census has been deliberately scheduled around the new moon phase, as the unique tidal and low-light conditions during this period offer the most favourable environment for accurate counting. Reduced moonlight and low tides expose mud banks, where crocodiles often bask, making them easier to spot and count.

January is also considered ideal due to peak winter conditions, when receding water levels and exposed mudflats improve visibility across creeks and rivers within the sanctuary. These natural factors significantly enhance the reliability of the census data.

For the exercise, wildlife experts and trained personnel will be divided into multiple teams and deployed across the park. The teams will use motorised boats to navigate designated routes and systematically record sightings. Authorities have urged tourists to cooperate with the temporary closure, emphasising that the census is crucial for conservation planning and long-term protection of the crocodile population.

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