The latest three-day crocodile census was carried out at Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha from January 6 to January 8. The census was conducted on Wednesday, and the exercise reported a rise in the crocodile population.
As per the latest census, the number of crocodiles in the national park has increased to 84 this year from 81 recorded last year. This growth is being seen as a positive development after a decline over the previous two years. The West Deo River accounted for the highest sightings, with 60 crocodiles recorded there alone.
Officials said conservation initiatives, including the release of hatchlings from the Ramatirtha breeding centre, are yielding results.
The current count shows an increase of three crocodiles compared to last year’s figure of 81, reversing a recent downward trend. In 2024, the population stood at 82, down from 86 in 2023, 83 in 2022, and 81 in 2021, respectively.
The census was coordinated by officials of the Similipal Tiger Conservation Project and covered around 20 locations across eight major water bodies in and around the sanctuary. These included rivers and streams such as the West Deo, East Deo, Khairi, Khadkhai, Thakthaki, Salandi, Budhabalanga, and the crocodile breeding centre at Ramtirth.
The exercise spanned 16 forest ranges across the northern and southern divisions of Similipal and involved over 100 personnel. Rangers, foresters, and field staff were deployed in 30 teams to ensure comprehensive coverage of the area.
Mugger crocodiles, also known as marsh crocodiles, are the dominant species found in Similipal and its adjoining regions. Officials noted that the West Deo River recorded the highest number of sightings, with around 60 individuals observed.
Officials attributed the encouraging increase to sustained conservation measures, particularly the annual release of hatchlings from the Ramtirth crocodile breeding centre at Jashipur in Mayurbhanj district into suitable water bodies within the reserve.
These reintroduction initiatives, along with habitat protection and effective wildlife management, have contributed to the steady recovery and growth of the mugger crocodile population in this biodiversity-rich tiger reserve.
