The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district will remain closed for visitors from January 6 to 14 as censuses of migratory birds and saltwater crocodiles would be conducted at the wildlife sanctuary during these nine days, forest official sources said.
The bird count would be held in water bodies of Satabhaya, Raipatia, Matha Adia, Gupti Ghat, Hansila Ghat and the wide wetland of lighthouse along with the Bhitarkanika National Park. Sources said a total of 12 teams would work for the purpose.
The crocodile census would be conducted simultaneously in the sanctuary. Eight teams under the supervision of saltwater crocodile expert Dr Sudhakar Kar would carry out the census.
The officials to be participating in the teams for bird and crocodile censuses would be imparted training on January 5, sources said.