Hundreds of saltwater crocodile hatchlings have started emerging from their nests across Bhitarkanika National Park, venturing into creeks and water bodies in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, according to an official.
The annual hatchling emergence began three days ago and is expected to last for roughly two weeks as the young reptiles make their initial journey from nesting sites to open waters, the official noted.
The occurrence reflects another successful breeding season for Bhitarkanika, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of India’s total estuarine crocodile population. Since conservation initiatives commenced in 1975, the park’s crocodile population has grown significantly from 96 to 1,858.
Forest officials identified 117 nesting sites across the region this year. Typically, female crocodiles lay 50 to 60 eggs per clutch, which incubate for about 70 to 80 days before hatching.
Despite the substantial number of eggs laid, adult survival remains extremely low. “Hardly one in every 100 hatchlings grows into an adult,” explained crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar, citing young crocodiles face heavy predation risk by aquatic animals and other predators in the wild.
The hatchlings break out of their shells without maternal assistance, wandering near the nests before heading toward nearby creeks and waterways. Forest personnel have been keeping a safe distance from the nests to avoid alarming the reptiles, which can turn aggressive if their habitat is disturbed.
The crocodiles construct their nests on elevated ground using mud, mangrove twigs, and leaves. Officials explained these locations are chosen specifically to receive direct sunlight while remaining safe from monsoon flooding.
To preserve a quiet environment during the nesting period, Bhitarkanika was closed to tourists from May 31 until restrictions were lifted on July 31.
While estuarine crocodiles also inhabit West Bengal’s Sundarbans and the Andaman Islands’ mangrove wetlands, Bhitarkanika maintains a particularly dense concentration of the species.
Beyond their population numbers, these reptiles play a vital role in the mangrove ecosystem. Officials added that their presence deters unauthorized entry into swampy forest areas, indirectly protecting the mangroves from illegal tree felling and poaching.
