The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district would remain closed for visitors from January 2 to 8 next for annual census of estuarine crocodiles.
Forest Department officials said teams would be deployed for counting of crocodiles, for which movement of boats and entry of tourists would be prohibited for a week.
Counting of crocodiles would be undertaken in the Rajnagar, Dangmal, Gahirmatha and Mahakalpada ranges. The head count drive of the endangered estuarine crocodiles would be conducted under the supervision of wildlife personnel. A rise in the crocodile population has been noticed after a breeding and rearing project in Dangamala was opened within the national park by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Notably, forest officials in January this year had counted 1, 671 saltwater crocodiles in the national park as compared to 1,665 during the corresponding time last year.
Besides, headcount of migratory birds would be undertaken in the national park from January 12 in the Mathabadia, Kalibhanjia, Bagagahan, Satbhaya, Gahirmatha areas, etc.
Moreover, counting of dolphins would be conducted in the Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha areas adjoining the Bay of Bengal from January 20, Forest Department AFG Pradosh Kumar Patnaik informed.