- To ensure a safe mating season for saltwater crocodiles, Odisha has imposed a three-month ban on entry of tourists and visitors to Bhitarkanika National Park.
- According to the Assistant Conservator of Forests, the ban will be in force from May 1 to July 31.
- the noise of mechanised boats transporting tourists and Forest Department officials also disturbs the crocodiles.
- It has been noted that when the reptiles are disturbed during nesting, they become more violent. As a result, most crocodile attack incidents occur during the breeding season.
- In addition to tourist restrictions, the Forest Department is taking proactive measures to curb unauthorized human presence in forested areas.
- The nesting process itself is a critical phase in the reproductive cycle of estuarine crocodiles.
- By imposing temporary visitor restrictions and intensifying monitoring efforts, Odisha’s Forest Department seeks to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
In a strategic maneuver to safeguard the delicate mating rituals of the saltwater crocodiles inhabiting Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha has instituted a three-month moratorium on tourist and visitor access, commencing from May 1st and extending until July 31st. This proactive measure, an annual occurrence, aims to shield the nesting and breeding grounds of estuarine crocodiles from human disturbances, thereby ensuring the continuity of their species and the ecological balance of the mangrove ecosystem.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for Bhitarkanika, Manas Das, elucidated the rationale behind the ban, emphasizing its critical role in mitigating disruptions during the sensitive breeding season. According to Das, disturbances caused by human activities, particularly the noise generated by mechanized boats ferrying tourists and forest officials, can have detrimental effects on the nesting behavior of crocodiles. Such disturbances not only agitate the reptiles but also heighten the risk of violent encounters, with breeding season incidents being particularly prevalent.
The ban encompasses not only Bhitarkanika but also extends to adjacent forest blocks like Dangamala and Ragadapati, ensuring a comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation across the sanctuary’s expanse. By limiting human activities within these protected areas, authorities aim to create an environment conducive to the undisturbed annual nesting of crocodiles, a cornerstone of the park’s biodiversity.
In addition to tourist restrictions, the Forest Department is taking proactive measures to curb unauthorized human presence in forested areas. Locals, often driven by the need for sustenance or economic gain, trespass into these habitats for activities such as honey collection and wood gathering. Forest guards have been deployed to monitor and deter such incursions, thereby minimizing potential disturbances to the crocodiles and their nesting sites.
The nesting process itself is a critical phase in the reproductive cycle of estuarine crocodiles. Females meticulously construct nests comprising mangrove twigs, leaves, and mud, strategically positioned to withstand flooding during the rainy season while providing optimal conditions for incubation. However, out of the hundreds of eggs laid, only a fraction will survive to adulthood, underscoring the vulnerability of these habitats and the importance of conservation efforts.
By imposing temporary visitor restrictions and intensifying monitoring efforts, Odisha’s Forest Department seeks to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices. The ban serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to ecological preservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources, ensuring the long-term viability of Bhitarkanika’s rich biodiversity.
In conclusion, Odisha’s conservation initiative underscores the intricate relationship between human activities and wildlife preservation. By prioritizing the protection of nesting habitats and minimizing disturbances during critical breeding seasons, authorities pave the way for the continued survival and prosperity of the saltwater crocodiles and their ecosystem. It is a testament to the state’s dedication to biodiversity conservation and its recognition of the intrinsic value of India’s natural heritage.
(With inputs from agencies)
