Bhubaneswar: Bhitarkanika National Park will remain closed to tourists from May 1 to July 31, coinciding with the critical breeding season of saltwater crocodiles.
The announcement was made by Assistant Chief Conservator of Forests (ACF) Manas Das, on Monday.
The closure is aimed at preventing disturbances to the reptiles during their nesting and breeding period.
According to ACF Das, “Female crocodiles become particularly aggressive during this time and most crocodile attacks occur in the nesting season.”
As of January 2025, Bhitarkanika National Park is home to 1,826 saltwater crocodiles. In an effort to protect the breeding grounds, the forest department has implemented strict measures.
Forest guards will monitor the mother crocodiles, who lay 50 to 60 eggs per nest and vigilantly guard them until they hatch.
In addition, local villagers have been prohibited from entering the park during this period.
Activities such as honey collection and wood gathering could provoke the protective mother crocodiles. Furthermore, the ban extends to mechanized boat operations to minimize any disturbances to the breeding reptiles.
