Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha

Recently, the Bhitarkanika National Park have reached a saturation point in the population of crocodile which could lead to more human-Crocodile conflict.

History

The Vitalkanika Mangrove Forest was the Zamindari Forest until 1952 when the Odisha Government abolished the Zamindari System and placed the Zamindari Forest under the control of the State Forest Department. In 1975, an area of 672 square kilometers (259 square miles) was declared the Vitalkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. The core area of the 145-square-kilometer (56-square-mile) reserve was declared Bitarkanika National Park in September 1998. The Gahilmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, which surrounds the eastern side of the Bitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in September 1997. It includes Ghirumata Beach and the adjoining portion of the Bay of Bengal. The Vitalkanika Mangroves were designated as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance in 2002.

Flora and fauna

The Vitalcanica mangroves are home to about 62 mangrove species, including Avicenna, Bruguiera, Heritiera and Rhizophora. The mangrove forests are home to reptiles such as saltwater crocodiles, king cobras, Indian pythons and water monitor lizards. Between August 2004 and December 2006, 263 bird species were recorded, including 147 resident and 99 migratory species. The heron colony covers approximately 4 hectares (9.9 acres), with 11,287 nests counted there in 2006. Olive Ridley sea turtles arrive at Gahirumata Beach to nest between January and March. It is estimated that there were an average of 240,000 nests per season between 1976 and 1996. Up to 80,000 individuals were captured each year until 1982. Since 1983, the collection and sale of turtles and their eggs has been prohibited.

What are the Issues?

Rising conflict:
- Almost, 50 people have been killed by crocodiles since 2012 in and around the park, while 25 crocodiles died during the same time after entering human settlements or getting caught in fishing nets.
Territorial Reptile:
- Crocodile is a territorial aquatic reptile, that means too many crocodiles can’t live in a small area as there will be increased competition for food, mating partners, basking sites.
Historical perspective:
- The Union Ministry of Forest and Environment in 1991 had directed the state forest department to stop the crocodile rearing programme in Bhitarkanika due to the saturation point reached by crocodile population.
  - However, the government stopped funding for the crocodile breeding and rearing project in 1990.
  - Further, the forest department had stopped the crocodile breeding and release programme in 1995 in the park as the crocodile population had reached around 1,000, from 94 in 1975.

FAQs about the issue of crocodile population saturation in Bhitarkanika National Park

What is the issue with the crocodile population in Bhitarkanika National Park?

The crocodile population in Bhitarkanika National Park has reached a saturation point. This means that the park has reached its capacity in terms of the number of crocodiles it can sustain. This saturation can lead to increased competition for food, mating partners, and basking sites among the crocodiles.

How many people have been affected by crocodile attacks in and around the park?

Since 2012, approximately 50 people have been killed by crocodiles in and around Bhitarkanika National Park. At the same time, around 25 crocodiles have died after entering human settlements or getting caught in fishing nets.

Why did the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment direct the state forest department to stop the crocodile rearing program in Bhitarkanika?

In 1991, the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment directed the state forest department to stop the crocodile rearing program in Bhitarkanika because the crocodile population had reached a saturation point. The government also stopped funding for the crocodile breeding and rearing project in 1990.