Kendrapara: Hatchlings of estuarine crocodiles have started emerging from eggs in the nests laid at Bhitarkanika National Park.
Forest personnel have seen several baby crocodiles that have emerged from eggshells at the park.
Estuarine crocodile hatchlings have emerged from around dozen nests, including the three nests at Dhanagada Adia and a couple of nests near the interpretation centre inside the Danagamala-based crocodile breeding and research centre, official sources said.
“It’s a treat to watch baby crocodiles moving aimlessly before hopping into the water bodies at Bhitarkanika. The forest department has engaged ground staff to keep a close watch on baby crocodiles to ensure that they do not fall prey to predators,” said Bimal Prasanna Acharya, DFO of Rajanagar mangrove (forest) and wildlife division.
The emerging of baby crocodiles from eggs would continue for a week, officials said.
Female crocodiles lay eggs inside the mangrove forest near water bodies and guard the eggs till the emergence of hatchlings.
Crocodiles lay eggs by creating mount like nests with mangrove leaves. Hatchlings emerge from the nests after 60 to 70 days.
Female crocodiles in Bhitarkanika grow up to 14 feet and they lay 50 to 60 eggs. About 10 per cent of the eggs are destroyed by predators and 50 per cent are infertile.
This year, forest personnel spotted 101 nests of estuarine crocodiles at Kanika, Gahirmatha, Mahakalapara and Rajnagar.
However, hatchlings are yet to emerge from eggs that are being incubated artificially at the Dangamala Crocodile Breeding and Research Centre. Forest personnel have also collected 40 crocodile eggs from the wild nests as they were vulnerable to predators.
PNN
