bhitarkanika

Forest officials in Kendrapada apprehended two individuals, seizing 10 kg of spotted deer meat, a weapon, and traps. The poachers confessed to killing the animal on Friday night and were planning to sell the venison. They were produced in court and remanded to judicial custody. Environmentalists highlight the challenges faced by wildlife due to summer scarcity, making them vulnerable.

Odisha is set to introduce a new land leasing policy for short-term tourism projects like tent cities and glamping. The state government is exploring leases of up to 30 years, moving away from the traditional 99-year model. This initiative aims to boost innovative, eco-friendly tourism and optimize land use, encouraging investment in flexible, experience-based accommodations across the state.

A 54-year-old woman, Chabi Bhukta, bravely fought off a saltwater crocodile attack in the Ramachandi river within bhitarkanika National Park. She managed to escape by pricking the reptile's eyes with a spoon after it grabbed her hand. The incident occurred two months after a fisherman was killed by a crocodile in the same area.

Saltwater crocodiles are entering villages to lay eggs, increasing human-crocodile conflict near bhitarkanika National Park. The forest department is educating villagers and deploying a quick response team. Barricades are placed at river ghats. The park remains closed to tourists until July 31. Compensation is provided for victims.

bhitarkanika National Park authorities are implementing special measures to protect wildlife during the intense summer heat. Artificial water tanks and renovated ponds are being utilized to provide drinking water, while increased patrolling aims to deter poachers. Special attention is also being given to penned crocodiles and hatchlings, with fire lines and extinguishers in place to prevent forest fires.

Microplastics have been detected in the sediments of Odisha's Brahmani river within the bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, posing risks to its sensitive ecosystem. Scientists found these particles, often carrying toxic heavy metals, at all sampling sites, highlighting the vulnerability of mangroves, fish, and wildlife to pollution.

An 11-foot saltwater crocodile, approximately 10 years old, was discovered dead in the Hansua river within bhitarkanika National Park. Forest officials suspect a territorial fight or entanglement in fishing nets as potential causes for its demise. This incident marks the 16th unnatural crocodile death in the park over six years, raising concerns for the protected species.

A 47-year-old man was seriously injured in a crocodile attack in the Kharasrota river, marking the second incident in two days. The same crocodile, believed to have traveled from bhitarkanika, is suspected in both attacks. Forest officials are now working to capture the stray reptile.

A 66-year-old farmer narrowly escaped a saltwater crocodile attack while bathing in the Kharosotra river, sustaining injuries to his hands, chest, head, and back. The incident highlights the increasing presence of crocodiles venturing far from their usual habitats, posing a significant threat to riverside communities.

Forest officials stopped a demolition drive against illegal shrimp farms in bhitarkanika National Park. Owners and locals resisted, assaulting forest personnel. One guard sustained head injuries. The drive was temporarily halted. Officials plan to mobilize more police to resume the demolition of all illegal shrimp farms in the area.

A severe LPG shortage in Kendrapada district has compelled rural residents to revert to cow-dung cakes for cooking, leading to a significant surge in demand. This shift has created an income source for many, though some younger generations are unfamiliar with the traditional method. Villagers near bhitarkanika National Park, restricted from collecting firewood, are also increasingly reliant on cow-dung cakes.

A 54-year-old fisherman was fatally attacked by a saltwater crocodile in the Gobari river near bhitarkanika National Park. This incident marks the latest in a series of fatal attacks, highlighting the intensifying human-crocodile conflict in the region. The forest department is implementing measures like barricades and awareness campaigns to mitigate risks.

The three-day bhitarkanika Mahotsava will be held for the first time at Nalitapatia village on the outskirts of bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district from March 10.

Forest officials successfully captured a 10-foot-long saltwater crocodile that had strayed from bhitarkanika National Park to Jahania beach in Puri. The reptile, believed to have traveled approximately 100 km, was safely released back into the Patasala river. Its unusual journey from its riverine habitat to the sea and then the beach has surprised researchers.

A team of 18 members of the Parliamentary Committee for Environment of Germany visited bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district on Wednesday to get first-hand information about successful protection of mangroves and salt-water crocodiles in the park.

bhitarkanika is home to 91,544 resident birds of 10 species, according to a census by forest officers of the national park.

There are 70,105 resident birds of different species in Bagagahana heronry within the bhitarkanika national park, said Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, the divisional forest officer of bhitarkanika National Park on Friday.

Trainee forest officers from Dehradun gained practical field experience at bhitarkanika National Park. Their two-day visit focused on mangrove conservation, wildlife management, and the Olive Ridley turtle breeding program. This exposure is crucial for their training in diverse forest ecosystems across India.

Much to the delight of ornithologists, bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha played host to over 81,000 winter migrant birds this winter, registering a substantial rise in the number of winged guests in comparison to preceding year.

The carcass of a ten-foot-long salt water crocodile was found in River Bramhani at Bijayanagar village near bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district on Friday. This is the seventh incident of unnatural death of crocodiles near bhitarkanika within a year.

The ban is effective from May 1 and will continue till July 31.Tourists will be restricted from entering crocodile-infested areas in bhitarkanika, Dangamala and Ragadapati forest blocks under bhitarkanika, Swain said.

Forest officials have sighted 1,610 estuarine crocodiles, including three measuring more than 20 feet in the water bodies of bhitarkanika National Park during their week-long census.