Kendrapara, May 1 -- In a major wildlife conservation measure, authorities at Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary have barred the entry of tourists and local visitors from May 1 to July 31, to ensure the safe breeding and nesting of estuarine crocodiles.
Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division, Vardaraj Gaonkar, said the annual restriction has been imposed to protect crocodiles during their crucial nesting season, when human intrusion can disrupt breeding activities and provoke aggressive behaviour.
The ban covers crocodile-sensitive zones in Bhitarkanika, Dangamala, and Ragadapati forest blocks, where large numbers of estuarine crocodiles breed during this period. Officials said the peaceful ...