The Bhitarkanika sanctuary, known very much throughout the globe for a breeding ground of the largest number of Olive Ridley Turtles, is also known as a safe ground for the breeding of crocodiles. The sanctuary has been banned for public entertainment these days in view of the mating period of the reptiles which starts from May.
The crocodiles lay eggs just like the Olive Ridley sea turtles on the sand banks, where a perfect temperature is maintained for proper incubation to yield newborns. When the sea turtles prefer sandy beach, the crocodiles prefer the sandy banks of rivers for safe incubation.
There are three types of crocodiles noticed in India and all of them are found in Odisha. The big reptiles were once on the verge of extinction during seventies. So research centres were established in different places with the help of the UNDP during 1975.
The Gharial research centre was established at Tikarpada in Angul forest division on the bank of the Mahanadi. The Gharial or Thantia turtle is gregarious and available in the Mahanadi. It is also found in Ganga, Brahmaputra and Chambal rivers. A fish eating animal, the Gharial crocodile lays eggs between February and March. Its incubation period is just 7 days. The hatchlings are seen during April and May.
In 1975 with the help of the UNDP, a Gharial conservation programme was taken up in Satkosia and Tikarpada area. Conservationist Bustard was posted in Odisha to give technical guidance. Recently, Bustard had been to Odisha to see his project at Tikarpara. About 230 eggs were brought from Gangtok and were hatched at Tikarpara. Only 40 hatchlings survived, which were released into the Mahanadi for building their natural habitat. Similarly, in 1977, 215 hatchlings were brought from Nepal and were grown. Finally, 42 survived and were let off in the Mahanadi river at Satkosia.
In July, 1975, a salt water crocodile research centre was established at Dangamal of Bhitarkanika wild life sanctuary. The salt water or the estuarine crocodile was successfully reared and released into the wild. The species has very peculiar characters. It is locally known as Baulakamshir, which only feeds on fishes. All the types of crocodiles are hunted for their skin.
The skins are very much in demand in the country as well as in the international market. Many fashionable leather items are made of the skin of the crocodiles. Hence, it is very difficult to save these animals from poachers. However, poaching has been controlled to a great extent these days because of a slew of programmes undertaken by the State Government.
But more efforts are necessary to protect the endangered species. The Government by allowing of several ports has posed a threat to the estuarine crocodiles. The Paradip port has damaged major portions of habitat of the reptiles in the Mahanadi. The Posco project and its proposed port are also likely to cause further harm to the ecology of the river.
The third crocodile research centre was established at Ramtirtha within the Similipal national park. The population of mugger crocodile, which is very limited in our State, is bred in the Similipal centre.
The writer was in charge of the Similipal natural park during the 80s. The only natural habitat of Gomuhara marsh crocodile is Barehipani water fall and Joranda water fall within the Similipal tiger project. The writer also worked in Tikarpara sanctuary during the 70s. The female marsh crocodile makes a pitcher shaped hole in the soft soil or in the sand bed.
(The writer is a former senior forest officer and an environmentalist)