Kendrapada: Forest authorities in Kendrapada’s Bhitarakanika National Park have found more than 2500 crocodile hatchlings from around 84 nests. The salt water crocodile hatchlings were found deep inside the mangroves. The number of crocodile hatchlings found this year is less than last year’s 3000. The numbers came down this year because of the flood damages caused by cyclone Yaas.
The salt water crocodiles lay eggs in the nests built on mangrove twigs and muddy areas on the high lands of the area during the months of May and June. A female crocodile usually lays about fifty eggs that need about 80 days of incubation. Only a few hatchlings survive to their adulthood. The Bharakanika National Park was closed for visitors and fishing in the last three months for the breeding season. According to forest officials, the national park has about 1,768 saltwater crocodiles.
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