Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: The Bhitarkanika National Park will remain closed for ten days from January 8 on account of the census of saltwater crocodiles and migratory birds.
There will be no movement of the tourists and ferrying of boats in and around the Park periphery during the census which will conclude on January 17.
Forest official said that as per the last year’s census the total number of saltwater crocodiles found in the rivers, creeks, estuaries, accumulated land and backwaters in the Park was 1665 while 1,13,226 migratory birds were sighted at different locations inside the park premises.
Notably, the Park is home to over 215 species of birds, including winter migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia. It is the second largest viable mangrove eco system in India having more than 71 species of mangrove and its associates.
