White crocodiles in Bhitarkanika

KENDRAPARA (ORISSA): The brackish water bodies and water-inlets along wetlands of Bhitarkanika continue to be the most hospitable habitat for the highly threatened white salt water crocodiles, according to the latest census findings of estuarine crocodiles.

As per the 2008 census report, there has been a marginal but proportionate growth of these crocodiles with 1498 of them found inhabiting in and outside the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary. The figure was 1482 last year.

The outstanding feature of this year's census was that as many as ten adult and sub-adult white crocodiles were found inhabiting these water bodies.

Besides these species in the wild, 'gori', a 33-year-old female white is being reared in captivity in Dangamal crocodile research center. It is one of the treasured possessions of the wildlife sanctuary.

The census exercise under the stewardship of wildlife officials of the state forest department ended on January 14.

At least three giant size crocodiles above 20 foot long were spotted during the annual enumeration operation, said official sources. The length of crocodiles measured may not be immaculate as the department has not adhered to under-water imaging system of videography.

The forest department has desisted from under-water image technique as it may disturb the delicate reptiles. Besides it is not equipped with such equipment.