Paradip, Aug. 31: The conflict between humans and animals at settlements near the Bhitarkanika National Park is in the limelight once again following a series of crocodile attacks over the past week.

Two persons, including a woman, suffered injuries in the riverside villages of Maahakalpada tehsil over the past four days. Another three, all fishermen, were injured in crocodile attacks in the past week at Rajkanika and Rajnagar tehsils.

Pradeep Kumar Das, a resident of Dangmal village, said: "The crocodiles are wreaking havoc in the riverside villages. The rivers, water bodies, creeks and water inlets are infested by crocodiles. Officials of the forest department have turned a blind eye to our plight. It appears the animals are more precious than human lives to them."

He said the villagers were panic-stricken and felt that their safety had been jeopardised by the intrusions of the reptiles into the villages.

Forest department officials, however, claimed that the people were exposing themselves to attacks by venturing into crocodile-infested water bodies. Most local residents have little regard for precautionary warnings, a forest department official said.

Divisional forest officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya said: "The forest department has initiated domesticated

According to the latest census report, Bhitarkanika National Park is home to 1,644 salt water crocodiles. These species are not found in any other river system in the state.

Wildlife researchers studying salt water crocodiles believe the reducing habitats in the 26 sqkm water bodies within the national park forced the species to wander into human settlements.

These reptiles prefer these water bodies because of its saline contents. The dropping salinity levels in some of the water bodies is also forcing the animals to search for newer habitats. It should be intensely studied to ascertain whether de-salinised water has anything to do with reproductivity of these species, a wildlife researcher said.