To increase the number of saltwater crocodiles at the Nandankanan Zoological Park here, its authorities have decided to collect as many as 40 eggs of the reptile from the Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district.
In this regard, the Rajnagar DFO has been informed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). In a letter, the PCCF has asked the DFO to identify the crocodile nests damaged in the sea tides and to be prepared for sending the eggs.
According to reports, the saltwater crocodiles have laid eggs in 82 nests in the Kanika Range, out of which two nests have been spoiled due to sea tides in the Kalibhanjadia area. As the female crocodile is protecting the eggs staying nearby the damaged nests, the eggs would be collected after she moves to water.
Sources said that out of the eggs collected from the nests, 40 would be handed over to the Nandankanan authorities.
The incubation of the remaining eggs would be made through artificial process at the Crocodile Research Centre at Dangmal, Bhitarkanika.
Notably, the female crocodiles have started laying eggs in Bhitarkanika from the month of May during their breeding season. The process would continue till July.