As many as 1,665 estuarine crocodiles, including three reptiles measuring more than 20 feet, have been sighted in and outside the water bodies of the Bhitarkanika National Park, according to this year’s census. The population of the crocodiles marginally increased compared to the figure of 1,644 in 2014, said Rajnagar Mangrove (Forest) and Wildlife Division DFO Kedar Kumar Swain.
“Of the 1,665 crocodiles, 511 are hatchlings, 380 yearlings, 317 juveniles (3-6 feet), 149 sub-adults (6-8 feet), 308 adults (8-18 feet) and three giants measuring more than 20 feet long,” said Swain. The forest personnel spotted 1,583 crocodiles at the nullah and creeks of the park while 82 were sighted outside the park. The headcount of the crocodile was conducted from January 8 to 10 by 26 enumerator teams.
The mortality rate of baby crocodiles is so high that one out of 2,000 hatchlings becomes adult. The crocodiles below five years have the minimum chance of survival. When a crocodile becomes six years, it would survive to become an adult as the threat of predation is less, stated forest officials. The crocodile population at Bhitarkanika was 1,649 in 2013, 1,646 in 2012, 1,654 in 2011 and 1,610 in 2010.