|
Mangorves are salt
tolerant, complex and dynamic eco-system that occur in tropical and
subtropical inter-tidal regions. Bhitarkanika is one such location
of rich, lush green vibrant eco-system lying in the estuarine
region of Brahmani- Baitarani in the North-Eastern corner of
Kendrapara district of Orissa. The area is intersected by a 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.
BHITARKANIKA RAMARSITE
During 2002 the
Bhitarkanika mangroves having an area of 2672 sq-km. been declared
as a ramsar site being a wetland of international importance.
BIODIVERSITY
Bhitarkanika has a
prominent place in the wildlife map of India and is globally
significant due to its rich biological diversity.
WHEN TO VISIT
Being situated in the
tropics, the climate of the area is hot and humid. Summer and
monsoon are sultry. The area is best visited during winter from
November to March.
|
