Reptile Census at Bhitarkanika National Park:
Conservation and Implications
Key Findings from the Census
1. Saltwater Crocodile Population:
o
The 2025
census recorded 1,826 saltwater crocodiles, including 18 rare albino
crocodiles.
o
Advanced
technology, such as the Timestamp Camera App, improved the accuracy of
the census by providing video evidence with time and GPS watermarks, minimizing
human error.
2. Crocodile Conservation Milestones:
o
Initiated
in 1975, the Crocodile Conservation Project has successfully
increased the population of saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika National Park
(BNP), achieving a stable population level by 2024.
Crocodile Conservation Project: Objectives and Success
1. Objectives:
o
Protection:
Safeguarding natural crocodile habitats by creating sanctuaries.
o
Population
Recovery: Implementing a "grow and release"
program, including egg collection, incubation, rearing, and release.
o
Training:
Equipping personnel at project sites and the Central Crocodile Breeding and
Management Institute, Hyderabad.
o
The
project received support from UNDP and FAO, reflecting
international collaboration in biodiversity conservation.
2. Achievements:
o
Saltwater
crocodile numbers have risen significantly since 1975.
o
Breeding
programs were halted in 2024 due to population saturation, but egg
collection continues, supporting both conservation and ecotourism.
Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP): Ecological and Conservation Importance
1. Key Features:
o
Location: Odisha,
India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans.
o
Ramsar
Site: Recognized as a wetland of international
importance.
o
Ecosystem: Creeks
and canals fed by rivers (Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Patasala)
create a unique habitat enriched by proximity to the Bay of Bengal.
2. Fauna:
o
Home to
the largest congregation of saltwater crocodiles in India.
o
Other
notable species include water monitor lizards, pythons, and hyenas.
3. Key Areas:
o
Gahirmatha
Beach: The largest nesting site for Olive Ridley
Sea Turtles.
o
Bagagahana
Heronry: A hub for avian biodiversity where thousands of
birds nest and perform aerial displays.
Analysis: Conservation Challenges and Opportunities
1. Challenges:
o
Population
Saturation: With the saltwater crocodile population
stabilized, further breeding programs were halted, requiring sustainable
management of resources.
o
Human-Wildlife
Conflicts: Proximity to human settlements could lead to
conflicts as the population of crocodiles grows.
o
Climate
Change: Rising sea levels and changes in river salinity
could threaten mangrove ecosystems, impacting the crocodile habitat.
2. Opportunities:
o
Technology
Integration: Tools like the Timestamp Camera App can enhance
monitoring and minimize errors in wildlife censuses.
o
Ecotourism:
Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as showcasing crocodile breeding and
nesting sites, can generate revenue and increase awareness.
o
Mangrove
Restoration: Protecting and expanding mangrove forests can
ensure long-term habitat sustainability for crocodiles and other species.
Conclusion
The Reptile Census at Bhitarkanika National Park
showcases the success of the Crocodile Conservation Project, with stable
populations of saltwater crocodiles, including rare albino specimens. However,
sustaining these achievements requires addressing challenges like habitat
preservation, human-wildlife conflicts, and climate change. By leveraging
technology, promoting ecotourism, and focusing on ecosystem restoration, BNP
can continue to serve as a global model for biodiversity conservation and
management.
MCQs
1. If
you want to see Olive
Ridley Turtles in their natural habitat, which one of the
following is the best place to visit?
(a)
Sundarbans National Park
(b)
Gahirmatha Beach
(c) Gulf
of Mannar
(d) Rann
of Kutch
Answer:
(b)
Gahirmatha Beach
(Explanation: Gahirmatha Beach in Odisha
is the world’s largest nesting site for Olive Ridley Turtles.)
2. The
Project Tiger
was launched in:
(a)
1970
(b) 1973
(c) 1980
(d) 1985
Answer:
(b) 1973
(Explanation: Project Tiger was launched
in 1973 to conserve tiger populations and their habitats in India.)
3. Which
of the following wetlands is not
a Ramsar site?
(a)
Chilika Lake
(b) Deepor
Beel
(c)
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
(d) Loktak
Lake
Answer:
(c) Nalsarovar
Bird Sanctuary
(Explanation: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
was designated as a Ramsar site in 2012, while Deepor Beel, Loktak, and Chilika
were designated earlier.)
4. Consider
the following pairs:
|
Protected
Area |
Well-Known
For |
|
Keoladeo
National Park |
Siberian
Crane |
|
Kaziranga
National Park |
One-Horned
Rhinoceros |
|
Periyar
National Park |
Saltwater
Crocodile |
Which of the pairs is/are
correctly matched?
(a)
1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and
3 only
(c) 1 and
3 only
(d) 1, 2,
and 3
Answer:
(a) 1 and
2 only
(Explanation: Periyar National Park is
known for elephants, not saltwater crocodiles.)
5. Which
of the following crocodile species is critically endangered?
(a)
Mugger Crocodile
(b)
Saltwater Crocodile
(c)
Gharial
(d) Nile
Crocodile
Answer:
(c)
Gharial
(Explanation: Gharials are critically
endangered due to habitat loss and declining fish populations.)
6. Which
of the following regions is not
a biodiversity hotspot in India?
(a)
Himalayas
(b)
Western Ghats
(c)
Eastern Ghats
(d)
Indo-Burma Region
Answer:
(c)
Eastern Ghats
(Explanation: India has four biodiversity
hotspots: Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland, but not the
Eastern Ghats.)
7. Which
National Park is known as the “Roof
of the World”?
(a)
Nanda Devi National Park
(b) Great
Himalayan National Park
(c) Hemis
National Park
(d) Valley
of Flowers National Park
Answer:
(c) Hemis
National Park
(Explanation: Hemis National Park in
Ladakh is known as the “Roof of the World” due to its high-altitude location.)
8. The
Central Crocodile Breeding
and Management Training Institute is located in:
(a)
Bhubaneswar
(b)
Hyderabad
(c)
Chennai
(d)
Kolkata
Answer:
(b)
Hyderabad
(Explanation: This institute is located
in Hyderabad and plays a key role in crocodile conservation training.)
9. The
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere
Reserve is renowned for its:
(a)
Coral Reefs
(b)
Mangrove Forests
(c)
Saltwater Crocodiles
(d) Olive
Ridley Turtles
Answer:
(a) Coral
Reefs
(Explanation: The Gulf of Mannar is
famous for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity.)
10. Which
of the following is India’s largest mangrove ecosystem?
(a)
Bhitarkanika National Park
(b)
Sundarbans National Park
(c)
Pichavaram Mangroves
(d) Gulf
of Kutch Mangroves
Answer:
(b)
Sundarbans National Park
(Explanation: The Sundarbans is the
largest mangrove ecosystem in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.)
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