News Excerpt:
As India marks the 50th anniversary of its Crocodile Conservation Project, concerns have arisen over the escalating human-crocodile conflict in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park.
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World Crocodile Day
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BELIZE ZOO:
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About:
- The estuarine or saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest living reptile on earth.
- The ‘saltie’, the mugger or marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), and the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), are India’s three main species of crocodilians.
- This family consists of 24 species and includes ‘true crocodiles’, alligators, caiman, and the gharial.
Foundation of the conservation effort:
- Launched in 1975, the Crocodile Conservation Project began in Bhitarkanika National Park, once the hunting grounds of kings from the Kanika princely state.
- The project, initiated by the United Nations and the Indian government, aimed to protect natural habitats and boost populations through captive breeding, given the low survival rate of hatchlings in the wild.
Success in Numbers:
- The conservation efforts have yielded impressive results.
- From an estimated 95 saltwater crocodiles in 1975, including 34 adults, the population in Bhitarkanika has grown to 1,811 as of this year.
- The rise in number can be attributed to the conservation efforts that involved breeding and rearing programs in 34 locations across India, including states like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha.
Rise in Human-Crocodile Conflict:
- However, the rising number of crocodiles has led to increased human-crocodile interactions, often with fatal outcomes.
- Despite warnings to riverside villagers to avoid water bodies inhabited by estuarine crocodiles, incidents continue to occur.
- The conflict has resulted in 50 deaths since 2014, influencing local sentiments during recent elections, with villagers expressing frustration over inadequate safety measures.
Preventive Measures to reduce Human-Crocodile conflict:
- Efforts to mitigate the conflict include the erection of barricades around 120 river ghats in and around Bhitarkanika to prevent crocodile attacks on humans.
- Conservationists and forest officials remain dedicated to these efforts, with ongoing initiatives to monitor and manage crocodile populations.
Commitment to Conservation:
- One of the key figures in the conservation project emphasized that the initiative is more than a passing trend; it is a lifelong mission.
- Even after retiring from a senior position in the Forest and Environment Department, he continues to contribute by providing technical expertise and methodology for the annual crocodile census in Bhitarkanika.
Conclusion:
The conservation of crocodiles in Bhitarkanika stands as a testament to successful wildlife management and the enduring commitment of those involved. As the project enters its 50th year, the balance between human safety and wildlife conservation remains a critical focus, ensuring the continued survival of these ancient reptiles while addressing the challenges of coexistence.
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Crocodile Species |
Description |
Habitat |
Threats |
Protection Status |
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Mugger or Marsh Crocodile |
Egg-laying and hole-nesting species. Known to be dangerous. |
Mainly Found in the Indian subcontinent in various freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and marshes. Also in coastal saltwater lagoons and estuaries. |
Habitat destruction, fragmentation, transformation, fishing activities, and use of crocodile parts for medicinal purposes. |
IUCN: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I |
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Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile |
Earth’s largest living crocodile (Reptile) species. Known as a man-eater. |
Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park, Sundarbans in West Bengal, and the Andamans and Nicobar Islands. Also in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. |
Illegal hunting, habitat loss, and antipathy toward the species due to its man-eater reputation. |
IUCN: Least Concern CITES: Appendix I (except Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea - Appendix II) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I |
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Gharial |
Asian crocodilian with long, thin snouts resembling a pot (ghara in Hindi). Indicator of clean river water. Relatively harmless, fish-eating species. |
Mostly found in fresh waters of Himalayan rivers, with the primary habitat in the Chambal River (Madhya Pradesh) and secondary habitats in the Ghagra, Gandak, Girwa, Ramganga, and Sone rivers. |
Illegal sand mining, poaching, river pollution, dam construction, large-scale fishing operations, and floods. |
IUCN: Critically Endangered CITES: Appendix Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I |
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Bhitarkanika National Park
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