Bhitarkanika National Park, a designated Ramsar wetland site in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, is now home to 1,858 estuarine crocodiles, according to the 2026 census survey released on Monday by senior Forest Department officials.
The report highlights an increase of 32 crocodiles compared to the 2025 census, which recorded a total of 1,826 reptiles.
“Of the total 1,858 crocodiles, 353 reptiles are eight feet or above in length,” said Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, P K Jha.
Officials stated that while the population growth remains marginal, the steady rise of the reptiles indicates that the national park continues to serve as a safe and congenial habitat for the saltwater crocodiles.
Of the 1,858 crocodiles, 531 hatchlings (28.58% under 2 feet), 442 yearlings (23.79% 2 to 3 feet), 365 juveniles (19.64% 3 to 6 feet), 167 sub-adults (8.99% between 6 and 8 feet), and 353 adults (19%).
The annual estimation of crocodiles was conducted from January 8 to January 10 across the river systems of Bhitarkanika National Park, Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mahanadi delta, and the Devi river mouth.
A total of 24 census teams were deployed across 54 identified river and creek segments, using the boat-based direct observation method through both day and night surveys.
Daytime surveys focused on sub-adult and adult crocodiles, while nighttime surveys employed powerful spotlights to record hatchlings, yearlings, and juveniles accurately, the officials said.
The highest population concentration was observed in Kanika Wildlife Range, followed by Rajnagar, Mahakalpada, and Gahirmatha Wildlife Ranges.
To enhance future monitoring and reduce observer bias, Jha said that the Odisha Forest Department is exploring the integration of drones and camera-based identification to supplement traditional conventional headcount methods.
Earlier, a pilot drone-based survey was conducted in December to assess the feasibility of integrating drones into future crocodile monitoring programmes, he said.
Odisha remains the only state in India to host all three crocodilian species—gharial, mugger, and saltwater crocodiles—in their natural habitat.
While the state’s conservation program, launched in 1975, has seen significant success with saltwater and mugger populations, officials acknowledged that similar progress has yet to be achieved for the Gharial conservation initiative.
