Bhubaneswar, July 27 -- Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district has recorded 117 active nests of estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles in the latest annual nesting survey, indicating a stable breeding population and the continued success of conservation efforts in the mangrove ecosystem.
The survey, conducted by the Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife), Rajnagar between May 1 and June 30, covered all wildlife ranges of the park and was carried out by teams of frontline forest personnel.
Kanika Wildlife Range accounted for the highest number of nests at 106, followed by Rajnagar Wildlife Range with 10 nests and Mahakalpada Wildlife Range with one nest.
Forest officials said the nesting figures have remained consistently high ...