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.
Mutilated body of the boy, half-eaten by saltwater crocodile, was retrieved by locals at Brahmani river ghat near Nimapur village under Pattamundai police station jurisdiction after an hour-long search.
The wildlife enumerators spotted 20 rare white crocodiles in the brackish water bodies and water-inlets in the wetlands of the park.
According to the recent survey, there has been marginal hike in the population of the salt-water crocodiles in 2023.
Acting on a tip-off, the accused persons identified as Baikuntha Parida and Fakir Mohan Nayak the headmaster of Bagapatia primary school were arrested.
Bhitarkanika has the highest concentration of India’s saltwater crocodiles, conservation of which was started way back in 1975.
