Question

Two important rivers - one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another with its source in Odisha - merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?

1. Bhitarkanika
2. Chandipur-on-sea
3. Gopalpur-on-sea
4. Simlipal

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Bhitarkanika

The correct answer is Bhitarkanika.

• Bhitarkanika National Park :
  • Spread in a vast area of 672 Kms Bhitarkanika Indian Wildlife Sanctuary Orissa is the 2nd largest Mangrove ecosystem of India.
  • Proximity to the Bay of Bengal makes the soil of the area enriched with salts, the vegetation, and the species of the sanctuary is comprised of those which are mainly found in the tropical and subtropical intertidal regions.
  • It is the breeding place for the endangered saltwater crocodiles which are the prime attractions of the sanctuary.
  • The Gahirmatha Beach which forms the boundary of the sanctuary in the east is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
  • Once the hunting ground of the royal Raj Kanika family is now famous for its high concentration of Mangrove trees.
  • These trees are spread all over the forests and the wetlands and predominate the ecosystem of the region.
  • The 145 sq km area of the National park carved out of the core area of the sanctuary is the land for impeccable biodiversities The sanctuary lies in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitrani with the Bay of Bengal lying in the East; apart from this, the sanctuary has many rivers, streams, creeks, accumulated land, backwater and mudflats making it a land of immense importance for its unique flora and fauna.
  • The sanctuary has 215 species of birds in which the most important are the eight varieties of kingfisher and the migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia.
  • Apart from this the sanctuary is the home for many reptiles, mammals and vertebrates which includes the venomous Cobras and Indian Pythons, the endangered water monitor lizards, Chitals, Jungle cat, Wild Pigs, Otter, Rhesus Monkeys, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and the Fishing Cat.
  • The Asian Open Bill, Cormorants, Darters, Black Ibis, Egrets, open billed storks, sandpipers, sea eagles, whistling teals, kites and seagulls are the frequently noticed avian of the sanctuary.