The forest personnel of Rajnagar mangrove forest and wildlife division recently conducted a drive to identify the existing islands and their present status under their jurisdiction.
The Union Home Ministry earlier had directed the State Government to provide details of the existing islands in the State for their all-out development. 14 islands in the Rajnagar mangrove forest and wildlife division were identified as Kalibhanjadiha, Short Island, Nadhiachara, Bhitarkanika forest block, Hukitola 1,2,3, Boitakulia 1,2,3, Outer Wheeler, long Wheeler, Babulabli and Jatadhartanda.
The forest personnel conducted a survey and
provided a detailed report on the flora and fauna of islands. In 10 islands, including Kalibhnjadiha, Short Island, Nadiachara, Bhitarkanika forest block, Hukitola -1, Hukitola-II, Hukitola-III, there is rich flora and fauna.
Mangrove species, including vast patches of casuarinas forests, besides wild boar, spotted deer and a wide variety of reptile species are found in the islands.
The endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles come for laying eggs en masse in Outer Wheeler, long Wheeler, Babubali and Jatadharitanda, informed DFO Bimal Prasanna Acharya. Notably, about 33 islands have been identified in the State.