Kendrapara: Bhitarkanika National Park, a designated Ramsar wetland in Kendrapara district, continues to strengthen its reputation as a safe and congenial habitat for estuarine crocodiles, with the latest census showing a steady rise in their population.
According to the Salt-water Crocodile Estimation–2026 report released on Monday, a total of 1,858 estuarine crocodiles were recorded across the surveyed regions, marking an increase of 32 individuals compared to the previous census. While the growth is marginal, forest officials said the sustained upward trend reflects the effectiveness of long-term conservation efforts and the suitability of Bhitarkanika’s ecosystem for the species.
The annual estimation exercise was conducted from January 8 to 10 across river systems in and around Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mahanadi deltaic region, and the Devi river mouth area. The survey followed a division-level training programme held on January 7 at Kanika Range to ensure standardised counting methods.
A total of 24 census teams were deployed to cover 54 identified river and creek segments. The estimation was carried out using a boat-based direct observation total count method, combining both day and night surveys. While day surveys focused on counting sub-adult and adult crocodiles basking along riverbanks, night surveys were conducted using powerful spotlights to record hatchlings, yearlings, and juveniles, whose eye-shine aids detection in darkness.
The Kanika Wildlife Range recorded the highest concentration of estuarine crocodiles, followed by Rajnagar, Mahakalpada, and Gahirmatha Wildlife Ranges, reaffirming these areas as critical habitats within the broader Bhitarkanika ecosystem.
In a move towards modernising wildlife monitoring, forest authorities also conducted a pilot drone-based survey in December to assess the feasibility of integrating drone technology into future crocodile censuses. Officials said the use of drones and camera-based identification techniques is being explored to supplement traditional survey methods, reduce observer bias, and strengthen long-term population monitoring.
Odisha holds a unique position in the country as the only state where all three crocodilian species — gharial, mugger, and saltwater crocodile — are found in the wild. The state launched its crocodile conservation programme in 1975, which has yielded significant success in the recovery of saltwater and mugger crocodile populations. However, conservation efforts for the gharial have not met with similar success, officials acknowledged.
Despite challenges, the continued rise in estuarine crocodile numbers at Bhitarkanika underscores the resilience of the ecosystem and the impact of sustained protection measures in one of India’s most important coastal wetlands.
