The Bhitarkanika National Park Characteristics Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant coastal ecosystem and one of India’s largest estuary crocodile habitats. It was designated as a National Park in 1998 for the goal of conservation due to its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, and zoological significance and value. It was classified as the second Ramsar site in August 2002. (i.e. Wetland of International importance).
The former zamindari woods of Kanika Raj were organised and designated as Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary by the State Government of Odisha in April 1975.
It was later designated as a National Park in 1998 for the goal of conservation due to its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, and zoological significance and value. It was classified as the second Ramsar site in August 2002. (i.e. Wetland of International importance).
Ramsar Site: In August 2002, the region was named the second Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance) in the State. It is a special place with a lot of biodiversities since it includes a variety of habitats, including the mainland, estuaries, the Bay of Bengal’s territorial seas, and tidal waterbodies in the deltaic region.
Reserve of the Biosphere (Proposed):
The planned Bhitarkanika Biosphere Reserve is made up of the deltaic zone produced by the alluvial deposits of the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamara (Bhitarkanika) and the Mahanadi deltaic area, which together cover over 3000 square kilometres. This deltaic area is a distinctive bioclimatic zone located in a characteristic physical setting along the Bay of Bengal coast. It is situated in the State of Odisha’s Kendrapara District.
The former Kanika and Kujang Zamindari territory is included in the planned Bhitarkanika Biosphere Reserve. Currently, it has three protected areas: the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bhitarkanika National Park.
In the first week of June 2015, the Mangrove Forest Division (MFD) of Bhitarkanika reported serious denudation in significant areas of mangrove vegetation in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant coastal ecosystem and one of India’s largest estuary crocodile habitats.
According to MFD, the 1700-acre Bhitarkanika forest block has seen denudation or salty blank formations. According to the report, the denuded areas in Mathadia may cover more than 30 acres of this particular block.
The Avicennia and Excoecariaspecies, sometimes known as Bani and Guan, have shown signs of denudation.
Reasons for Denudation: Concern has been raised about the denudation (blank formations) of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary for the reasons listed below:
1. Because mangroves serve as an environmental buffer for the coasts as well as a lifeline for the ecosystem that supports a diverse range of flora and animals.
2. As the current flora withers over time due to extreme salinity, the formation becomes barren.
3. The majority of mangrove species are resistant to salt in the 5 to 35 ppt range. Only Avicennia marina species can withstand salinities of up to 70 ppt.
The State’s mangrove cover decreased by nine square kilometres between 2011 and 2013, from 222 square kilometres to 213 square kilometres, according to the Forest Survey of India-2013 report. The majority of Bhitarkanika is found in Kendrapara district, where the dip was 4 sq km there and 2 sq km in Bhadrak district.
The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary’s key characteristics include:
1. This habitat is home to the greatest population of saltwater crocodiles in the Indian subcontinent.
2. Because it is home to one of the greatest populations of Olive Ridley Sea turtles that breed and nest, Bhitarkanika’s famed Gahirmatha Coast occupies a key position on the global turtle map.
Also, Read More:- Bhitarkanika National Park