Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park Records Marginal Rise in Migratory Bird Count

Bhitarkanika National Park records a marginal rise in migratory bird numbers compared to the previous year, as per the latest census report. The forest department releases the census report recently, keeping Bhitarkanika National Park in news.

Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha): 

Dimension	Key Details
Location	Located in Kendrapara district, Odisha.
Area	Spread across 672 sq. km.
Physiography	Mangrove swamp situated on the delta formed by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra.
Key landforms within the park	Creeks, backwaters, estuaries, deltas, and mudhuts.
Surrounding protected areas	Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary; Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary lie to the east.
Coastal setting	Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary separate a mangrove-canopy swamp region from the Bay of Bengal.
Mangrove ecosystem status	India’s 2nd largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans.
Soil characteristic	Proximity to the Bay of Bengal makes the soil enriched with salt.
Vegetation type	Vegetation and species are mainly found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions.
Wetland designation	Designated as a Ramsar site.
Flora	Includes mangrove species, casuarinas, and grasses like the indigo bush.
Fauna	Home to the largest congregation of endangered saltwater crocodile in the country; Gahirmatha Beach is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
Fauna	Includes hyenas, wild boar, Chitals, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Jungle cat, and Wild Pigs.
Migratory birds	Migratory birds make it their home during the winter season.
Bird diversity	Home to eight varieties of Kingfisher birds.