Monsoon Census Underway in Bhitarkanika National Park

A three-day monsoon bird census commenced at Bhitarkanika National Park on Thursday, September 4, 2026. The forest department is undertaking this exercise to establish a scientific database of the park's avian population during the monsoon season.

The census will identify visiting bird species, their preferred nesting times, and favored vegetation types. This data collection is crucial for understanding the park's biodiversity. Forest officials have divided into four groups to cover important areas within the park, focusing on mangrove and water body habitats.

Conducting the survey during the monsoon presents significant risks due to the presence of crocodiles in the waterways. Despite these dangers, forest personnel are meticulously navigating through these areas to count the birds accurately. The monsoon season is vital for resident bird species as it serves as their primary breeding period.

Bhitarkanika National Park is known for its rich birdlife, attributed to its diverse habitats, abundant fish supply, and distance from human settlements, making it an ideal breeding ground. The park is particularly recognized for its large heronries, with trees densely covered in nests constructed from reeds and water weeds.