Kendrapada: The population of Estuarine crocodiles in the Bhitarkanika National. Park has increased in comparison to last year according to the annual status survey conducted from January 15 to 23 last.
Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife) Bikash Ranjan Das said quoting the status survey report said the number of Estuarine Crocodile this year increased to 1768 from 1757 last year.
Mr Dash said Out of 1768 Estuarine Crocodiles spotted this year there were 593 hatchlings, measuring below 2 feet long, 593, yearlings measuring between 2-3 feet, 367, juveniles (measuring between 3 -6 feet, 152 sub-adults measuring between 6-8 feet) and 336 adult crocodiles.
The enumerators also sighted several albino in the wild in addition to 45-year old captive albino Gori and a 12 year old another captive albino.
The DFO said 1397 Salt water crocodiles were spotted within Dangamala scheme pond and alat Kanika wildlife Range, 263 estuarine crocodiles in Rajnagar wildlife range, 76 estuarine crocodile at Mahakalapada forest Range and 32 crocodiles at Gahirmatha forest Range.
The head count drive of Estuarine crocodile was organized by 22 enumerator teams, consisting of wildlife personnel, crocodile experts and researchers.
The enumerators were divided into 54 segments and conducted the drive in creeks, creek lets, rivers and nallahs in and outside Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Mahanadi Deltaic region.
Each unit was provided with a census kit (map showing the area including river and creeks, route to follow, binocular, spot light/powerful torch light with cells, notebook, pen/pencil, day and night census forms, V.H.F and small boats were used for day and night counting of crocodiles.
The entire day and night census operation was monitored and supervised by Technical expert, Dr. Sudhakar Kar, deputed from the Wildlife Headquarters, informed official sources.
Bhitarkanika National park is the only place within India, where Salt water crocodile head count drive has been going on every year since 1976, said the DFO. (UNI)
