Kendrapara, Aug. 8: Around 14 unmanned islands in Bhitarkanika National Park with their wetland sites and rich flora and fauna will get a facelift under the Centre's holistic development of coastal islands project.

The islands have been identified for comprehensive conservation plans. "We had sent the list of islands to the ministry. It accepted to undertake the project in the earmarked islands," said Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

"According to the guidelines, the state forest department submitted names of the areas, its population, maps, flora and fauna of islands including Hukitola, Madali, Chinchidi, Babubali, Nadiabali, Havelikhati, Kalibhanjadia, Sort, Boutakuji, Outer Wheeler, Long Wheeler, Nasi, Budhiabali and Jatadhari," Acharya said.

He added: "The ministry had earlier directed us to furnish the detailed report of 19 islands in this regard. But, we could locate only 14."

In the report, the forest personnel mentioned that the islands of Nasi, Havelikati and Babubali in the Gahir-matha marine sanctuary were known to be the rookery for olive ridley sea turtles.

In March, more than 4 lakh turtles laid eggs on these islands. Kalibhanjadia, Sort and Nadiabali islands are identified as dense mangrove forests and the creeks and water bodies of these islands are home to saltwater crocodiles.

"A large number of migratory birds gather in and around these islands in the winter. They also play host to 13 species of mammals including spotted deer, sambar, hyena, wild boar, rhesus monkey, common languor, jackal, fishing cat, otter, jungle cat, mongoose, wolf and fox," said Acharya.

Hukitola is known to be the breeding place of horseshoe crabs. "At present, we are emphasising on horseshoe crab conservation due to its medicinal value. Known as the living fossil, the horseshoe crab is a new member in the long list of endangered species," Acharya said.