The declining water level of Chambal river, flouring from Madhya Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh, has lead to a decline in number of crocodiles here. The existence of crocodiles, dolphins and tortoises was under a severe threat, owing to the plummeting water of the river. Drying up of water bodies due to scorching weather has become a curse for the water inmates.

Ananya Dutta

KENDRAPARA: The Forest Department has banned tourists and visitors from venturing into Bhitarkanika National Park from May 15 to July 31 during mating and breeding of salt-water crocodiles. The department will also renovate five ponds at the Crocodile Breeding Centre at Dangamala within the park, said Prasanna Kumar Behera, DFO, Bhitarkanika National Park.

KENDRAPARA: With the onset of summer, the authorities of Bhitarkanika National Park have taken a number of measures to protect the animals and the birds from the scorching heat. Water holes have been dug up and curtains hung around pens of animals. Arrangements have also been made to ensure that there is adequate drinking water so that the animals do not suffer from dehydration.

An ailing crocodile which got stuck in the Kundaim

Worried over the diminishing number of amphibians in the Chambal River due to pollution, the forest department is going to measure and enumerate the amphibians. In this regard, a survey would be conducted from February 4-17, enumerating ghariyals, crocodiles, dolphins, and tortoise.

KENDRAPARA: As many as 1610 estuarine crocodiles, including three reptiles measuring more than 20 feet, were sighted by the Forest officials in the water bodies of Bhitarakanika National Park during the week-long census, said Prasanna Kumar Behera, DFO, Bhitarkanika National Park.

Cuttack, Jan. 15: The number of tigers and lions is dwindling but not crocodiles.

The latest census report on Bhitarkanika National Park

At least 1,610 saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles were sighted by the Bhitarkanika forest personnel in the annual census of the crocodile, which was recently concluded at the creeks, rivulets and water bodies of the Bhitarkanika river system, said DFO of Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) Forest Division PK Behera.

Giving in to reservations voiced by conservationists over the Rajasthan Government

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