CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Bhitarkanika is one such location of rich, vibrant mangrove ecosystem, lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani-Baitarani in the North-Eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Odisha. The area is intersected by a network of creeks with the Bay of Bengal on the East.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few protected areas in India which has six sympatric species of kingfishers: Pied Ceryle rudis, Common Alcedo atthis, Brownwinged Halcyon amauropterus, White-throated Halcyon smyrnensis, Black-capped H. pileata and Collared Todiramphus chloris.

Detailed explanation-3: -Bhitarkanika was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and designated as a National Park in 1998. It covers a total area of 672 square km (for wildlife sanctuary), out of which 145 sq. km is allotted to the National Park. In 2002, this national park was declared the Ramsar site.