Bhubaneswar: The recently concluded crocodile census along the Mahanadi in the Satkosia Wildlife Division and under Kusanga range in Odisha’s Boudh district revealed that their population had declined substantially giving rise to concern among the environmentalists.
The census report suggests the presence of 19 crocodiles belonging to two species in the region. During the census, the Forest Department counted three adult gharials and eight minors, aside from five adult muggers and three juveniles.
In fact, 12 gharial hatchlings were re-released into their natural habitat at the Mahanadi River’s Sunakhania Ghat under Satkosia Wildlife Division on November 24, last year. Satkosia has become a breeding ground for Gharials since 2021.
Despite the birth of 35 crocodile births in 2024, the Forest Department is dismayed over the dwindling numbers of the animals in the region. Expressing concerns over the decline in crocodile population, the Forest Department is now chalking out plans for the conservation of crocodiles in Satkosia.
