Saltwater Crocodile in Sundarbans
Source: The Hindu
Context
The 2025 survey in Sundarban Biosphere Reserve recorded 213 saltwater crocodile sightings, showing growth across all age groups, including hatchlings — a rare event in this terrain.
About the Species
- Largest living reptile and apex aquatic predator.
- Hypercarnivorous, maintains ecological balance by regulating prey and consuming carcasses.
Habitat in India
- Found in Sundarbans (West Bengal), Odisha rivers/swamps, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Inhabit coastal brackish mangrove swamps and river deltas.
- Rising salinity due to climate change poses habitat risks.
Key Features
- Males can exceed 6 metres and weigh up to 1000 kg.
- Feeds on fish, birds, mammals, and large ungulates.
- Adaptable to varying salinity and tidal conditions.
Population Status (2025 Survey)
- Estimated 220–242 individuals.
- Sightings: 213 (125 adults, 88 juveniles, 23 hatchlings).
- Sharp increase from 2024 (71 adults, 41 juveniles, 2 hatchlings).
- Encounter rate: 1 crocodile every 5.5 km.
- Prefers creeks/rivers with tidal width <180 m.
Species of Crocodilians in India
- Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
- Largest living reptile, found in Bhitarkanika mangroves, Sundarbans, Andaman & Nicobar.
- IUCN: Least Concern.
- Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
- Freshwater species, found in rivers, lakes, marshes across Indian subcontinent.
- Broadest snout among crocodilians.
- Keystone species.
- IUCN: Vulnerable.
- Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
- Fish-eating crocodile with long snout.
- Small populations in Chambal, Katarniaghat, Son River, Satkosia Gorge (Odisha).
- IUCN: Critically Endangered.
Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha)
- Second-largest mangrove forest in India after Sundarbans.
- Located in estuarial region of Brahmani, Baitarani, Dharma and Patasala rivers.
- A Ramsar Site, also home to large populations of estuarine crocodiles (Salties).
Conservation Measures
- Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976–2022): Released 577 crocodiles into the wild.
- Systematic surveys, GPS mapping, and habitat monitoring.
- Ongoing efforts critical as climate change, sea-level rise, and habitat salinisation threaten survival.
