Bhitarkanika National Park

Key notes

  • Bhitarkanika National Park is in Kendrapara district, Odisha.
  • It is located in the delta of the Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamra river systems.

  • It is famous for:

    • Saltwater crocodiles.
    • Mangrove forests.
    • Estuarine ecosystems.
    • Migratory birds.
  • It is also associated with Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, a major nesting site of Olive Ridley turtles.
  • Bhitarkanika is a Ramsar Site.
  • It is one of India’s important mangrove ecosystems.

  • The area is vulnerable to:

    • Cyclones.
    • Sea-level rise.
    • Salinity changes.
    • Habitat disturbance.
  • Recent reports highlighted large bird populations in the national park.