Kendrapara, Jan 23: Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district has solidified its status as a prime habitat for estuarine crocodiles, as evidenced by the results of the latest crocodile census.
The park, designated as a Ramsar wetland site, has seen a slight increase in the crocodile population, signaling a positive trend for these reptiles. According to Manas Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) Forest Division, this growth highlights Bhitarkanika's role as a safe and thriving environment for saltwater crocodiles.
The 2025 census recorded 1,826 saltwater crocodiles across the Bhitarkanika river system and the Mahanadi delta, compared to 1,811 last year. While the increase is modest, it reflects a healthy environment for these creatures. Notably, the rise in crocodile numbers has been most significant among hatchlings, yearlings, and juvenile crocs. However, adult and subadult crocs (6 to 8 feet long) have seen a slight decline in numbers compared to last year.
The census found 346 adult crocodiles over 8 feet this year, down from 348 in 2024. Similarly, the subadult population (6 to 8 feet) dropped slightly, with 164 counted in 2025 compared to 167 the previous year.
The annual Crocodile Estimation exercise was carried out across Bhitarkanika National Park and Sanctuary, Gahirmatha Sanctuary, and the Mahanadi Deltaic areas. Favorable weather conditions this year made it easier to spot crocodiles in the region's rivers and creeks. The region, which is crisscrossed with water inlets, creeks, and nullahs, forms an ideal ecosystem for these reptiles.
