Bhitarkanika National Park UPSC

  • Bhitarkanika National Park is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, India.
  • It is situated in the Brahmani-Baitrani estuarial zone, with the Bay of Bengal to the east.
  • Bhitarkanika is famous for its mangrove forests, which cover 65% of the park’s area.
  • In 1975, Bhitarkanika was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Odisha government.
  • In 1998, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park.
  • In 2002, Bhitarkanika was designated as a Ramsar site.
  • Area: The park is spread over an area of 145 km2 (56 sq mi).
  • River: Rivers that flows through the park are:
    • Brahmani
    • Baitarni
    • Dhamra
    • Pathsala
  • Flora: Mangroves, Sal, Haldina, Pisal, Jamun, Salt-Tolerant Plants (Kankra, Hental, Sundri khaoa) etc.
  • Fauna: Chitals, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Jungle Cats, Wild Boar, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, House Shrew, Hyena, Cormorants, Black Ibis, Open-billed Storks, Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Saltwater Crocodile, Water Monitor Lizards, White Crocodile, Marine Turtle etc.
  • The park has one of the largest populations of Saltwater Crocodiles in India.
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