| 1 | Bhitarkanika - A biological paradox The information on the biological diversity of Bhitarkanika, Kendrapara, Orissa, India has been described. The physiography, vegetation and faunal distribution of the mangrove forest were discussed. The need to establish this area as a Biosphere Reserve is highlighted Source: Behura, B.K. Bhitarkanika: The wonderland of Orissa. Behura, B.K. ed. 1999; 44-68. 1064. | ||
| 2 | Bhitarkanika - An unique Mangrove eco-system The mangrove eco-system is both complex and dynamic. Bhitarkanika (notified as a sanctuary on 22nd April, 1975) is an unique mangrove eco-system, which supports a variety of common and endangered wildlife. It is the second largest patch of mangrove forest in India and is rich in floral composition. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best reptilian refuges in the world. It harbours the largest population of the endangered Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the largest Indian Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator), the largest poisonous snake of the world, the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and the large non-poisonous python (Python molurus). The avi-fauna includes a variety of aquatic birds including the migratory water fowls, a host of raptors and a number of colourful resident birds. The Gahiramatha beach within the sanctuary is the largest Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) rookery in the world, where on an average 3 lakh (range 1.5 to 6.9 lakh) female turtles visit the beach for mass egg laying every year Source: Dani, C.S.; Kar, S.K. Bhitarkanika: The wonderland of Orissa. Behura, B.K. ed. 1999; 30-43. 1070. | ||
| 3 | Bhitarkanika: Myth and reality.This part deals with planktons,molluscs,crustaceans,polychaetes,fishes and reptiles. The world famous wildlife sanctuary Bhitarkanika, Kendrapara, Orissa, India was studied. The mangrove ecosystem, its importance; floral diversity including morphological and anatomical adaptations in mangrove plants, physiological adaptations, silvicultural features; faunal diversity and some special features of Bhitarkanika has been described. Besides this special conservation efforts like salt water crocodile conservation and management project and sea-turtle conservation and management project, legal provisions and some management issues and possible solutions has been suggested Source: Chadha, S.; Kar, C.S. 1999; 388; pp. 1193.
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