Faunal Diversity of Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha

Abstract

Bhitarkanika presents a variety of habitats, microhabitat and climatic conditions. Therefore, the faunal component and diversity is also extremely high in comparison to other mangrove forests of South east Coast of India. A total of 420 species belonging to five Phylums under 14 classes (Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda and Vertebrates) were recorded during the study period. Among all, bird species were recorded high (264). Though many checklist of faunal species of Bhitarkanika are available, but still there is lacking on the various aspects of ecological studies. A research programme is recommended, to monitor the effectiveness of policies and human-crocodile relationships in the Bhitarkanika, Odisha, in order to minimize human-crocodile conflict in the future.