Bhitarkanika National Park, a key wildlife sanctuary in Odisha, will be closed to tourists from May 1 through July 31 to safeguard the breeding season of saltwater crocodiles, officials announced on Monday.
Focus on Protecting Crocodiles During Nesting
Highlighting the need for the closure, Assistant Chief Conservator of Forests (ACF) Manas Das explained that female crocodiles become highly aggressive while nesting, significantly increasing the risk of human-crocodile conflicts.
“Most attacks happen during this critical breeding period,” Das said, stressing the importance of minimising disturbances for both public and animal safety.
As part of the effort, forest guards will intensify surveillance around nesting areas, ensuring that mother crocodiles, who lay up to 60 eggs per nest, can protect their young without interference.
Additionally, entry by local villagers for activities like honey gathering and firewood collection has been strictly prohibited, and the use of mechanised boats in breeding zones has been banned to limit disruptions.
Female crocodiles carefully build nests from mangrove materials in elevated spots to shield eggs from floods. However, survival rates are naturally low — only one out of 500 eggs typically matures into an adult.
