Rise in Saltwater Crocodile Population: Insights from Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha

15 Jan 2024

Context: 

There are 1,811 saltwater crocodiles in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika, the annual census reveals.

Annual Census Reveals Marginal Increase in Bhitarkanika’s Crocodile Population

  • The annual  census is being conducted in January as it  is  a suitable time to count the animals because of peak winter, exposure of more than 50 per cent of mud banks and the lunar cycle.
  • The presence of 1,811 crocodiles in the park is a marginal increase from last year’s census numbered at 1,793.

Bhitarkanika National Park: A Coastal Marvel in Odisha’s Estuarial Landscape

  • Location: District Kendrapara,  Odisha
  •  It is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary,  Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary. 
    • It lies in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitrani with Bay of Bengal lying in the East
  • Ramsar site:  It is Ramsar site since 19 August 2002 and is Second site from state of Odisha after the Chilika Lake.
  • Rivers:  Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Pathsala.

Saltwater Crocodiles: Giants of the Estuaries in India’s Bhitarkanika and Beyond

  • Scientific name: Crocodylus porosus
  • Protection Status:
    • IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
    • CITES: Appendix I 
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • They are the largest crocodile species on the planet, with  individuals that are 8-10m long. 
  • Saltwater Crocodiles in India: 
    • Bhitarkanika National Park
    • Sundarbans
    •  Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Habitat: Typically found in the brackish water of estuaries.
  • Bhitarkanika is the second-largest mangrove forest ecosystem  in India after the Sundarbans in West BengaI.
  • Fauna:  Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Indian python, king cobra, black ibis, darter etc.  Olive ridley turtles nest on Gahirmatha and other nearby beaches. 
  • Unique features: 
    • All the 3 species of crocodiles ie. Gharial ( critically endangered), Mugger crocodile (vulnerable) and Saltwater crocodile are found in the Bhitarkanika national park.
    • Bagagahana or the heronry near Surajpore creek: Here Thousands of birds colonise the creek for nesting and perform  aerial acrobatics  prior to mating making  for an impressive sight.

News source: Down to Earth

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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