Abstract

Bhitarkanika is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India after the Sundarbans National Park and is situated in the state of Odisha. It is the home of diverse flora and fauna that are intricately linked with each other. Bhitarkanika comprises lots of endangered species of flora and fauna that needs immediate attention by different stakeholders especially the government and NGOs for conservation and preservation of these diverse resources. The present study is focused on identifying various eco-tourism resources available at this destination and also analyse various protection measures undertaken to conserve and preserve the flora and fauna inside the sanctuary. This study also examines the role of government for conservation and preservation of eco-tourism resources inside Bhitarkanika. The current study reveals that Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary have immense tourism potentials to become a perfect eco-tourism destination. However, in spite of that, this destination has not been extensively promoted and marketed as a perfect eco-tourism destination in this region. Since this area provides a huge employment opportunity for the local community, so there is an urgent need to conserve and preserve this sanctuary for a better eco-tourism destination in the years to come.

Highlights

  • Bhitarkanika is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Asia, the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India after the Sundarbans National Park and is situated in the Kendrapada district of Odisha

  • The conservation and preservation of flora and fauna in Protected Area Management - Recent Advances the study area show an improvement in the vegetation and increase the livelihood of the local people resulting in an increase in the tourist flow to this destination

  • Khola is one of the gateways into the park. This is along an artificial creek and it passes through dense mangrove forest providing a glimpse into the estuarine ecosystem and its wealth of fauna

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Summary

Introduction

Bhitarkanika is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Asia, the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India after the Sundarbans National Park and is situated in the Kendrapada district of Odisha. It is the home of diverse flora and fauna, which are intricately linked with each other and are the integral components of eco-tourism destination. Bhitarkanika is situated in-between the river Brahmani and Baitarani and forms the deltaic region in between these two rivers This area was originally belonging to the wrest while ruler of Kanika and a large portion of this forest land of this delta was encroached in the later phase due to expansion of agriculture in this region by the local people [1]. It has become a global tourist attraction due to the pride possession of white crocodile [2]

About Bhitarkanika National Park and Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary
The major objectives of the studies are as follows
Scope of the study
Methodology used
Tourism potentials of Bhitarkanika
DANGMAL: saltwater crocodile project at Dangmal
Saltwater crocodile
Major objectives of crocodile conservation projects in Odisha/Bhitarkanika
Baula project at Dangmal
Gahirmatha sanctuary
Olive Ridley turtles
Endangered flora of Bhitarkanika: mangrove ecosystem
10. Conservation measures by government
11. Management strategy for conservation program to protect the biodiversity
13. Suggestions and recommendations
14. Conclusion
Full Text
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