|
network
of creeks
with Bay
of Bengal
on the
East.
The alley
between
the meandering
creeks
and rivers,
houses
the second
largest
viable
mangrove
eco-system
of India.
Its 672
sq.kms.
of mangrove
forest
&
wetland,
provides
home to
well over
215 species
of birds
including
winter
migrants
from central-Asia
and Europe.
Giant
salt water
crocodiles
and variety
of other
Wildlife
inhabitate
in this
eco-system
which
form Asia's
one of
the most
spectacular
Wildlife
area.
BHITARKANIKA
NATIONAL
PARK
An area
of 145
Sq.kms.
have been
notified
as Bhitarkanika
National
Park
vide Notification
No.19686/F
&
E dated
16.9.1998
of Forests
&
Environment
Department,
Govt.
of Orissa.
It has
much significance
with regard
to ecological,
geomorphological
and biological
background
which
includes
mangrove
forests,
rivers,
creeks,
estuaries,
back water,
accreted
land and
mud flats.
Bhitarkanika
National
Park
is the
core area
of Bhitarkanika
Sanctuary.
BHITARKANIKA
SANCTUARY
Bhitarkanika
Wildlife
Sanctuary
was declared
vide notification
No.6958/FF
AH Dtd.
22.04.1975
over an
area of
672 square
kilometers.
The Sanctuary
comprising
Mangrove
Forests
meandering
rivers,
innumerable
criss-crossed
tidal
inundated
creeks
provide
last refuge
to the
already
endangered
salt water
Crocodile
(Crocodile
Porosus).
Besides
estuarine
Crocodile,
the Sanctuary
is rich
in avifauna,
mammalian
and reptilian
population.
Theses
Mangrove
forests
are good
habitat
for King
Cobra,
Indian
Python
and Water
Monitor
Lizard.
A large
number
of water
birds
visit
Bagagahan
heronry
which
is an
area of
approximately
4 hectare.
within
the Bhitarkanika
Forest
Block
near Suajore
creek
from the
month
of June
to October.
Most of
the Birds
are Asian
open bill.
Egrets.
Black
Ibis,
Cormorants,
Darters
&
etc.
|