Stamp on Largest Crocodile

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6 (UNI) Orissa has requested the Centre to issue a postage stamp featuring the world's largest crocodile.

The state is home to the largest crocodile in the world measuring over seven meters in length, inhabiting at the Bhitarkanika National Park.

''I have requested the Union Minister for Communications Dayanidhi Maran to issue a postage stamp to commemorate the presence of the largest crocodile in the world in Bhitakanika. This goes to show the success of the conservation project to protect and propagate such crocodiles,'' Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said today.

''I hope this will raise the level of awareness among people on the importance of conserving wildlife,'' Mr Patnaik said on the occasion of a Wildlife Week celebration here today.

Stating that in 1976, the number of estuarine crocodiles had dwindled to less than 100, Mr Patnaik said due to various conservation methods, their number has gone up to 1,460 at present.

According to the latest count, around 1,460 crocodiles were spotted in rivers and creeks in and around Bhitarakanika National Park. Three of the reptiles measured above 20 feet, he said.

The Chief Minister announced the state wildlife conservation award would be raised to Rs one lakh from Rs 50,000.

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