The New Indian Express ·
Nesting bird population rises to 1.32 lakh across 10 species in Bhitarkanika National Park
KENDRAPARA: The population of colonial nesting birds in Bhitarkanika National Park of Kendrapara district has recorded a steady rise this monsoon season, with forest officials reporting a total of 1,32,279 birds including 76,151 chicks across 10 species.
According to the latest census results released by the forest department on Friday, the birds have built 28,064 nests across 1,419 trees. This marks an increase of 1,483 birds compared to the 2025 monsoon census, which recorded 1,30,796 birds in 27,646 nests on 1,409 trees.
The census was conducted between September 3 and September 5 using the direct count method. Around 20 personnel were deployed across four groups to survey water bodies and mangrove forest areas, particularly the Mathadia, Durgaprasaddia, and Laxmiprasaddia forest blocks.
