Kendrapara (Rajnagar): As many axs 36 Forest Range Officer trainees from the Chandrapur Forest Academy of Maharashtra visited the world-famous Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district.

During their visit, the trainee officers interacted with Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bharadwaj Gaon and gained knowledge about the rich flora and fauna of Bhitarkanika. They discussed various aspects of mangrove ecosystem conservation, wildlife protection and management practices being adopted in the national park.

The trainees visited different locations inside the national park including the mangrove forests, crocodile breeding centre and other eco-sensitive zones. They were briefed about the conservation of saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley turtles and migratory birds that make Bhitarkanika a unique biodiversity hotspot.

The exposure visit aimed at providing practical learning on wetland and mangrove forest management.

On the occasion, researcher Dr. Prashanna Nayak, Forester Prashant Singh, Forest Guards Rashmiranjan Behera and Babul Kumar Behera were present and extended cooperation to the visiting team.