BHUBANESWAR: Bhitarkanika, home to giant saltwater crocodiles, has some good news for wildlife lovers as the reptile population has risen, marginally though. As per the latest census, the estuarine crocodile population has gone up to 1,671 in Rajnagar Wildlife Division, up from 1,665 last year.
Of 1,671 crocodiles, 1,580 were sighted in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary alone, State Wildlife Wing announced on Wednesday. About 90 per cent of crocodiles are concentrated in the creeks and nullahs of Kanika Range which signifies that it continues to be a great habitat for the master predators.
The classification of the crocodiles as per their size and age showed a pattern of consistency. As many as 299 are in adult category, their length ranging from eight to 20 feet. As many as three are above 20 feet in length and considered monstrous going by their sheer size. Similarly, 164 are in sub-adult bracket while 269 are juveniles.
The annual census was carried out by 26 teams in 53 segments of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and outside. It found that 22 crocodiles reside in Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary whereas outside the protected areas, their population is 69. A total of four deaths has been reported in the last one year.
In Bhadrak Wildlife Division, the census located 12 estuarine crocodiles in Baitarani, Salandi and Mantei rivers.
The crocodile census, which was carried out across four major habitats, also showed that number of gharials in Mahanadi river has shown a jump, though the overall number is negligible. While just one gharial was seen in the river in Satkosia till last year, this time, the enumerators located three.
The population of muggers in Satkosia was estimated at 91, recording a marginal jump from 86 in 2015. In Mahanadi river, their population was 66 whereas in water bodies of Satkosia Wildlife Division, it was 18. In Athamalik division, the number of mugger was estimated at seven. Similarly, Ghodahada reservoir saw a small rise in number of mugger from 49 to 55.
While the crocodile population across the habitats saw a rise, in Similipal, it marked a marginal decline from 81 in 2015 to 79 this time. In two of the six rivers, their population dropped.
Crocodile expert Dr Sudhakar Kar said the reason for Bhitarkanika’s sustainable crocodile population could be attributed to excellent mangrove forests from Khola to Pathasala blocks where fish is available in abundance for the reptiles. While the river depth is favourable, there is very little disturbance in terms of fishing in the area.