The Bhitarkanika National Park authorities in Odisha’s Kendrapara district have reclaimed around 11 hectares of forest land which was under the unlawful occupation of prawn culturists in an ongoing drive.
The incident took place at Baulakani village under Mahakalpada forest range when the inland fisherman Deba Kumar Mandal was dragged to the water by a crocodile when he had entered into the water to spread out the fishing net.
As per the salt-water crocodile estimation-2026 report released on Monday, a total of 1,858 estuarine crocodiles were recorded, indicating an increase of 32 crocodiles compared to the previous census.
The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has reestablished itself as a congenial habitat of resident water birds, maintaining a stable nesting population of winged species, a senior official said today.
Saltwater crocodiles are covered under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The flora and fauna showcased in the centre include conservation measures initiated for crocodiles in their natural habitat and the rich mangrove diversity in Bhitarkanika wetland sites.
1,348 baby saltwater crocodiles have broken out of their eggshells to make their way to water-bodies in and around Odisha’s Bhitarkanika national park, marking the culmination of annual breeding and nesting season of these endangered reptiles.
The forest officials on Sunday released the result of the mangrove pitta bird census report, which pegged their population at 218.
The growth in population has been mainly reported in hatchlings. However, other size segments have also reported slight growth compared to last year, he said.
The mutilated body of the boy, half-eaten by saltwater crocodile, was later retrieved by locals after an hour-long search operation.
