Marginal Rise in Saltwater Crocodile Population in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhubaneswar: Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has once again reaffirmed its status as a thriving habitat for estuarine crocodiles, with the latest census indicating a marginal but positive rise in their population. The national park, a designated Ramsar wetland site, has seen a consistent upward trend in the number of saltwater crocodiles over the years.

According to the Salt-water Crocodile Estimation-2026 report released on Monday, a total of 1,858 estuarine crocodiles were recorded during the latest census—an increase of 32 crocodiles compared to the previous year’s count. While the increase appears modest, forest officials describe it as a significant indicator of a healthy and safe ecosystem within the protected region.

“The population rise, though marginal, underlines that Bhitarkanika continues to offer a congenial and secure habitat for estuarine crocodiles,” said forest officials.

The annual census was conducted from January 8 to 10 across rivers and creeks in and around Bhitarkanika National Park, Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mahanadi deltaic region, and the Devi river mouth. Prior to the field exercise, a training programme was held on January 7 at Kanika Range to orient participating personnel.

A total of 24 census teams surveyed 54 river and creek segments using a boat-based direct observation total count method, covering both day and night sessions. Daytime surveys were utilized to spot sub-adult and adult crocodiles, whereas nighttime operations with high-powered spotlights documented hatchlings, yearlings, and juveniles.

Among the surveyed zones, the highest crocodile concentration was reported in the Kanika Wildlife Range, followed by Rajnagar, Mahakalpada, and Gahirmatha ranges.

In a notable development, a pilot drone-based survey was conducted in December to evaluate the potential of integrating UAV technology into future monitoring activities. The use of drones and camera-based identification systems is being explored to supplement traditional observation methods, minimize observer bias, and enhance long-term population data accuracy.

Odisha remains the only state in India that hosts all three crocodilian species in the wild: the gharial, mugger, and saltwater crocodile. The state launched a focused conservation initiative for crocodiles in 1975. While the programme has been notably successful in boosting saltwater and mugger populations, the gharial conservation efforts have faced setbacks, with limited increases recorded over the decades.