Source: Down to Earth

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Context

• Crocodile Conservation Efforts: Initiated in 1975 in Bhitarkanika National Park, the project aimed at reviving the population of saltwater crocodiles through habitat protection and captive breeding.
• Human-Crocodile Conflict: Ongoing issues in Bhitarkanika due to the rising population of saltwater crocodiles leading to frequent conflicts with local communities.

Details

Key Points

• Wildlife Conservation:
  • Focus on the success of the Crocodile Conservation Project in Bhitarkanika National Park.
• Legislative Framework:
  • Understanding the significance of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in conserving endangered species.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict:
  • Examining the socio-economic and political implications of human-crocodile conflicts.
• Biodiversity:
  • Importance of preserving unique ecosystems like Bhitarkanika and the role of species like saltwater crocodiles.
• Conservation Strategies:
  • Methods such as captive breeding and habitat protection used in wildlife conservation projects.

Human-Crocodile Conflict

• Increased Incidents:
  • The rising population of saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika National Park has led to more frequent encounters and conflicts with local communities, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
• Impact on Local Communities:
  • The conflict has caused significant fear and disruption among villagers living near the park, affecting their daily activities such as fishing and farming, which are crucial for their livelihood.
• Preventive Measures:
  • Authorities have taken steps like erecting barricades around 120 river ghats and issuing warnings to riverside villagers to avoid water bodies inhabited by crocodiles to reduce the risk of attacks.
• Political and Social Repercussions:
  • The ongoing conflict has influenced local politics, with residents expressing dissatisfaction with the government's efforts to manage the issue, as seen in the recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections where it became a significant campaign topic.

About Bhitarkanika National Park

Location:

• Situated in Kendrapara district, Odisha.

Ecosystem:

• Comprises vast tracts of forest and saltwater swamps.

Conservation Efforts:

• Notable for the successful Crocodile Conservation Project initiated in 1975.

Biodiversity:

• Home to the largest population of saltwater crocodiles in India.

Human-Wildlife Conflict:

• Significant issue with frequent human-crocodile conflicts affecting local communities.

About Saltwater Crocodiles

Endemic to:

• Found in Bhitarkanika, the Sundarbans and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India.

Sources:

Down to Earth

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Q. Consider the following statements about Bhitarkanika National Park: It is located in the state of Odisha and is famous for its population of blackbucks. The park is a designated Ramsar site due to its rich mangrove ecosystem. Bhitarkanika National Park falls under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (b)