Crocodiles multiply in water our bodies of Similipal Tiger Reserve

By Express News Service
BARIPADA: In what can carry cheer to wildlife lovers, the crocodile inhabitants in water our bodies of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) and its adjoining areas in Mayurbhanj district has gone as much as 87.

Findings of the three-day reptile census, carried out from January 9 to 11 this yr, revealed that variety of crocodiles within the water our bodies of the district has gone up from 81 to 87. The census was carried out at main rivers and their tributaries and canals like Deo, East and West Deo, Khadkei, Budhabalanga, Ramtirtha breeding centre, Khairibandan and Thakthaki. 

As many as 63 crocodiles had been sighted in West Deo, seven in Khairi, 4 in East Deo, three in Khadkei, two in Budhabalanga, one in Thakthaki and 7 on the crocodile breeding centre at Ramtirtha. The most enhance in variety of crocodiles was reported from West Deo the place 63 reptiles had been sighted this yr in opposition to 57 in 2020, Deputy Director of STR, Jagyandatta Pati stated. 

After a survey within the Seventies revealed a pointy decline within the variety of crocodiles in Similipal forest, the State authorities determined to arrange a centre at Ramatirtha for captive breeding of crocodiles. In 1979, the centre began functioning and 24 crocodiles consisting of each women and men had been introduced from Madras.

Objective of the breeding centre was to rebuild viable inhabitants of crocodiles and provide the reptiles to different States for additional breeding. In 1984, the primary crocodile breeding was completed at  the centre and since then, 1,500 eggs have been hatched. So far, 700 younger crocodiles have been launched to rivers of West Deo, East Deo, Khairi, Budhabalanga and Polpala.