Recently Odisha conducted crocodile census in Bhitarkanika National Park
Highlights of the census
- According to the annual census, the population of the saltwater or estuarine crocodile (Crocodiles porosus) has increased in the water bodies of Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park and its nearby areas in Kendrapara district
- There are around 1757 individuals in this year’s annual reptile census.
Types of crocodiles in India
Gharial, Mugger and Saltwater crocodiles can be found in India;
- Gharial:
- Habitat: It is found in clear freshwater river systems, congregating at river bends where the water is deeper
- Also called as gavials, they are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts
- They congregate to mate and make nests during the dry season, when females lay eggs in sandbanks along slow-moving sections of water
- These animals do not stalk and lunge at prey like other crocodilians—their snouts contain sensory cells that can detect vibrations in the water.
- IUCN status: Critically Endangered
Saltwater Crocodile
- It is the earth’s largest living Crocodilian
- Habitat: The saltwater crocodile inhabits coastal brackish mangrove swamps and river deltas
- The saltwater crocodile has a wide snout compared to most crocodiles.
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
Mugger:
- The mugger crocodile is also called as marsh crocodile, broad-snouted crocodile
- Distribution/Habitat: . It is principally restricted to the Indian subcontinent where it may be found in a number of freshwater habitat types including rivers, lakes and marshes.
- Females dig holes in the sand as nesting sites and lay up to 46 eggs during the dry season. Sex of hatchlings depends on temperature during incubation
- Its visual, hearing and smelling senses are acute
- IUCN status: Vulnerable
