As many as 1,682 estuarine crocodiles, including reptiles measuring more than 20 feet, were sighted in and outside the water bodies of the Bhitarakanika National Park.
According to the census report, as many as 11 estuarine crocodiles increased. In 2016 census, the forest officials counted 1,671 crocodiles whereas this time the number of crocodile population is 1,682, said crocodile researcher Dr Sudhakar Kar.
“Out of 1,682 salt water crocodiles, the number of hatchlings is 608, yearlings 334, juveniles (between 3 -6 feet) 266, sub-adults 172 (between 6-8 feet) and adults (between 8-20 feet) is 302,” informed crocodile expert Dr Kar.
Among the 1,682 crocodiles, the enumerators also spotted 11 salt water crocodiles that were between 16 - 18 feet long, whereas seven crocodiles were between 18-20 feet and three were more than 20 feet, stated Kar.
The enumerators also sighted 10 albino crocodiles during the head count drive of crocodiles this year.
The drive was organized from January 2 to 8 by the forest personnel after forming 27 enumerator teams, consisting of wildlife personnel, crocodile experts and researchers, divided into 53 segments comprising of creeks, creek lets, rivers and nallahs inside and outside Bhitarkanika.
The method of census adopted to count the crocodiles was individual total count by direct day and night time sighting/counting. Each unit was provided with a census kit (map showing the area including river and creeks, route to follow, binocular, spot light/powerful torch light with cells, notebook, pen/pencil, day and night census forms, VHF etc). Small boats were used for day and night counting of crocodiles in the narrow creeks and creeklets.