Bhitarkanika National Park

A national park is an area that is reserved for the protection of wildlife and biodiversity where activities such as development, hunting, poaching, forestry, and grazing are prohibited. The boundaries of a National park are clearly defined and delineated. 

The Bhitarkanika National Park is located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, in the district of Kendrapara. It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and designated as a National Park in 1998. It covers a total area of 672 square km (for wildlife sanctuary), out of which 145 sq. km is allotted to the National Park. In 2002, this national park was declared the Ramsar site. 

Bhitarkanika is a combination of two words: Bhitar means “inside”, and Kanika means “exceptionally beautiful.” This is the nesting ground for giant saltwater crocodiles, which have the highest population in India. There are approximately 215 avifauna species found here, including eight varieties of kingfisher. 

Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika National park has a rich biodiversity that includes beautiful terrains. Its ecosystem is dominated by mangroves. It is one of the most amazing wildlife sanctuaries in India, with spectacular vegetation, wildlife, birds, and so on. The sanctuary is situated in the estuarine region of Brahmani-Baitarani, Odisha. This sanctuary attracts a large number of tourists all year. 

The park is a habitat of many species like the saltwater crocodile, King Cobra, White crocodile, Black ibis, Indian python etc. Teak, Salaia, Ziziphus, Kauriculata, Bamboo, Babul and Palas are the most important flora species of this national park. Gahirmatha Beach, which separates the Mangroves from the coast of the Bay of Bengal, is a renowned world heritage site. It is a 35 km long beach where Olive Ridley Sea Turtles can be found.

Geography

The Bhitarkanika National park covers the core area, which is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. A number of rivers, including the Brahmani, Dhamra, Baitarani, and Pathsala, flow through the national park and wildlife sanctuary. A network of creeks runs through the area and the valley between meandering creeks and rivers. 

It is home to the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India, which hosts more than 70 mangrove species. Mangroves cover 525 sq. km out of 672 sq. km area, including the wet and marshy lands. The sanctuary contains many different types of mangroves, which are used as nesting sites by migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia. 

Climate

The weather in Bhitarkanika National Park is typically wet and humid due to its proximity to the east coast of the Bay of Bengal. Climate is majorly divided into winters and summers, with summers including a couple of months of heavy monsoon rains. The temperature in the area ranges from 14 degrees Celsius in the winter to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. Winters are very pleasant and also the best time to visit this sanctuary as the temperature never goes below 14 degrees Celsius, and huge numbers of migratory birds visit this sanctuary. 

Flora and Fauna

The mangrove forest and wetland of Bhitarkanika is a habitat of approximately 215 bird species, including eight different species of Kingfishers. This ecosystem, one of Asia’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries, is home to saltwater crocodiles, among other wildlife. This sanctuary has a variety of avifauna, mammals, reptiles and tree species.

• Reptiles include the saltwater crocodile, Indian chameleon, Indian monitor lizard, Fan-throated lizard, Yellow monitor lizard, Spotted Indian house gecko, Water monitor lizard, Golden tree snake, Common vine snake, etc.
• Important mammal species are Indian wild boar, Leopard cat, Common mongoose, Small Indian porcupine, Wild pig, Rhesus monkey, Indian Field Mouse, House Shrew, Jackals, fox, Common langur, Mongoose, Wolf, Fishing cat, Hyena, etc.
• Major bird species include the Kingfisher, Brahminy Duck, Asian openbill, Cormorant, Egret, Sea Gull, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Woodpecker, Hornbill, Wader, etc.
• Important tree species found here are Sundari, Teak, Thespia, Salaia, Casuarinas, Bamboo, Babul, Kauriculata, Ziziphus, Palas, Indigo bush and others.

Conclusion

Bhitarkanika National park has rich biodiversity dominated by mangroves. It is one such lush green rich ecosystem located in the Brahmani-Baitarani’s estuarine region in Odisha’s Kendrapara district. Many Hindu temples of mediaeval time can be found throughout the sanctuary showing that this region has a rich historical background. This park holds immense significance for the geomorphology, ecology, and biology of the region. Mangrove Forests, meandering rivers, and numerous crisscrossed tidal inundated creeks provide the last refuge for the park’s flagship species, the saltwater crocodile. The park was declared Ramser’s site and became a site of international importance in 2002.