Bhitarkanika National Park

Why in news?

• Tourists and residents are facing difficulties due to stoppage of inland water services via boats in the Bhitarkanika region.
• Since the water bodies in these areas are house to more than 1,700 salt water crocodiles,  it is dangerous to use smaller country boats. 

About Bhitarkanika

• Bhitarkanika National Park is a national park located in Kendrapara district of Odisha.
• The park is famous for its green mangroves, migratory birds, turtles, estuarine crocodiles and countless creeks.
•  It is surrounded by the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
•  It was designated as a Ramsar site in 2002
• The national park is inundated by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Pathsala.
• Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary , the world's largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley Turtles, lies to the east of the region.

Fauna

• It hosts a large number of mangrove species, and is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India.
• The park is home to the saltwater crocodile, Indian python, black ibis etc
• Olive ridley turtles nest on Gahirmatha and other nearby beaches.
• 70% of the country’s estuarine or saltwater crocodiles are found in Bhitarkanika.

PRELIMS QUESTION
Consider the following wetlands: 
1.Kolleru Lake
2.Bhoj Wetland
3.Pulicat Lake
Which of the areas given above are included in List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1,2, and 3

Answer to prelims question