1644 salt-water crocodiles in Bhitarkanika: Census

KENDRAPADA: 

The population of salt-water crocodiles at the Bhitarkanika National Park and its nearby areas has dropped marginally this year, the annual reptile census revealed. Forest officials counted 1,644 salt water crocodiles recently whereas last year, they had sighted five more.

"Last year, we sighted 486 hatchlings, 356 yearlings, 395 juveniles, 128 sub-adults, 284 adults including four giant crocodiles measuring more than 20 feet. This year, during the four-day census from January 4 to 8, we spotted 1,644 crocodiles - 504 hatchlings, 387 yearlings, 307 juveniles, 142 sub-adults, 304 adults including four giant ones. The number of hatchlings and yearlings dropped this year, but the number of sub-adults and adults increased. Baby crocodiles often fall prey to predators in the wild, for which their numbers might have dropped slightly," said by the divisional forest officer.

"We have also sighted around 15 albino crocodiles during the census," added divisional forest officer.

Herpetologist Dr Kar, who is also the former crocodile research officer of forest and wildlife department, led the 20-member team in the reptile census.

"In 1975, the ministry of forest and environment, in collaboration with UNDP, had started crocodile breeding and rearing in Dangamala within Bhitarkanika. Thanks to the success of the project, the crocodile population started increasing in the creeks, river and other water bodies of the park and its nearby areas," Herpetologist Mr Kar said.

For villagers within the park and its adjoining areas, however, crocodiles are a cause for concern. "Crocodiles of Bhitarkanika have killed at least 45 people and injured 70 in the last 10 years. The reptiles often enter nearby rivers and creeks and attack riverside villagers," a local villager said.

According to Divisional Forest Officer, "Locals are not allowed to enter into the rivers, creeks and other water bodies of Bhitarkanika as the areas are infested with estuarine crocodiles. Many villagers enter the water and invite trouble," .

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Source:India Times