Bhitarkanika National Park Shut Till July 31 for Crocodile Breeding

Bhitarkanika National Park will remain closed to tourists and local visitors from May 1 to July 31 as part of an annual conservation measure to protect estuarine crocodiles during their breeding and nesting season.

Officials from the Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division said the temporary restriction is crucial to ensure a disturbance-free environment for crocodiles, which are particularly sensitive and often aggressive during this period. Divisional Forest Officer Vardaraj Gaonkar stated that human interference can disrupt nesting activities and increase the risk of crocodile attacks.

The ban applies to key crocodile habitats, including Dangamala and Ragadapati forest blocks, where large numbers of estuarine crocodiles breed every year. Authorities emphasized that maintaining a peaceful habitat is essential both for the safety of wildlife and visitors.

During the previous breeding season, forest officials recorded 116 nests across multiple wildlife ranges, including Kanika, Gahirmatha, Mahakalapada, and Rajnagar. Female estuarine crocodiles, which can grow up to 14 feet in length, typically lay between 40 and 50 eggs per nest, though larger individuals may produce more.

Despite this, natural challenges persist. Around 10 percent of eggs are lost to predators, and the average hatchling success rate stands at approximately 30 percent per nest. The incubation period generally lasts 75 to 80 days.

The latest 2026 census recorded 1,858 estuarine crocodiles in and around the water bodies of the Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division, reinforcing Bhitarkanika’s reputation as one of India’s most significant habitats for the species.

Forest authorities reiterated that the seasonal closure is a vital step in conserving the reptile population while minimizing risks to human life.