Bhubaneswar: The annual bird census conducted by the Odisha Forest Department during the first two weeks of January 2024-25 has recorded a total of 2,349,895 birds across the state’s forest areas and wetlands.
This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s count of 2,222,818 birds, reflecting the state’s thriving avian biodiversity.
Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia has revealed in a written reply to a query by BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy from Jharsuguda in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday.
As per the information shared by the Minister in his reply, Odisha is home to three species of crocodiles: the Saltwater crocodile, the Mugger crocodile, and the Gharial. The census data for crocodiles reveals a steady population trend, with Saltwater crocodiles increasing to 1,881 and Gharials to 16 in 2024-25.
Crocodile Census Highlights
Saltwater Crocodile: Increased from 1,830 in 2020-21 to 1,881 in 2024-25.
Mugger Crocodile: Slightly decreased to 221 in 2024-25 from 257 in 2023-24.
Gharial: Increased from 11 in 2020-21 to 16 in 2024-25.
Expenditure on Census:
The state government has allocated significant funds for these censuses over the past five years:
Bird Census: Expenditure rose to INR 9,50,000 in 2024-25, up from INR 8,80,000 in 2020-21.
Crocodile Census: Expenditure in 2024-25 stood at INR 4,17,335, down from INR 6,90,560 in 2022-23.
No specific organization or individual has been appointed exclusively for the crocodile census. However, the annual winter bird census sees active participation from students of local universities and colleges, as well as members of NGOs, the Minister added.
