🔰 *Bhitarkanika National Park* 🔰 Location: Kendrapara district, Odisha, India. Ecosystem: 📌Network of creeks and canals. 📌Formed by the Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Patasala rivers. 📌India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem (after the Sunderbans). 📌Second Ramsar site in Odisha (after Chilika Lake). 📌Features brooks, backwaters, estuaries, deltas, and mudflats. 📌Salt-enriched soil due to proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Size: Spreads over 672 sq.km. Flora: 📌Mangrove species. 📌Casuarinas. 📌Grasses (e.g., indigo bush). Fauna: 📌Largest congregation of endangered Saltwater Crocodiles in India. 📌Gahirmatha Beach: Largest Olive Ridley Sea Turtle nesting site. 📌Other animals: Hyenas, wild boar, Chital, Sambar deer, jungle cats, wild pigs. 📌 Migratory birds (seasonal). Ecological Significance: 📌Important wetland habitat. 📌Vital for biodiversity conservation. 📌Experiencing early departure of migratory birds.