Kendrapara, August 10: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district is witnessing baby crocodiles emerging from the eggs and making their way to various water bodies inside the wildlife sanctuary.
The annual breeding and nesting season of the endangered salt water crocodiles comes to an end with hatchlings breaking out of the egg shells by July 31. As many as 1,348 saltwater crocodile hatchlings were born in Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district recently from 114 nests, said assistant conservator of forest of the park Manas Das.
The sanctuary was out of bounds for tourists from May 31 to July 31 in view of the breeding season to avoid human interference. This year, 114 nests were made with mangrove twigs, leaves and mud. A single female crocodile typically lays a clutch of between 30 to 60 eggs that incubate for 70-80 days, Das added.
Nests are usually made in areas on high ground not vulnerable to flood during the monsoon season and where the reptiles can get direct sunlight, said Das.
