Bhitarkanika Saltwater Crocodile Conservation – Comprehensive Notes
Overview
Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park reports a saltwater crocodile population of 1,858 in 2026, marking sustained conservation success. The rise reflects decades of targeted efforts and aligns state biodiversity outcomes with national and global frameworks.
Conservation Status
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, recovering from near-extinction through India’s Crocodile Conservation Project.
2026 census (Bhitarkanika): 1,858 individuals
Increase: 32 over previous count
Hatchlings: 531, indicating strong breeding
India’s total population: ~2,500 (primarily in Bhitarkanika, Sundarbans, Andamans)
Historical Conservation Efforts
India launched the Crocodile Conservation Project (1975) at Bhitarkanika with UNDP/FAO support.
Key milestones:
1970s: Only ~95 crocodiles survived after years of hunting under Kanika rulers and habitat loss.
1972: Wildlife Protection Act enforcement
1975: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
1998: Elevated to National Park status
Ramsar Site designation: Strengthened mangrove and wetland protection
Dangmal Hatchery: Adopted “rear-and-release” model, driving recovery past 1,800 individuals by 2024
International Regulations
CITES Appendix I (since 1975): Total ban on commercial trade
WPA Schedule I: Highest protection category
CMS: Habitat safeguard guidelines
UNFCCC adaptation frameworks: Enhance mangrove resilience against sea-level rise and salinity intrusion
Conservation now mirrors Project Tiger’s integrated ecosystem approach
Scholars’ Perspectives
Dr. Sudhakar Kar (“Crocodile Man of India”): Attributes success to captive breeding + anti-poaching but warns about rising human–croc conflict (70 rescues recently).
H.R. Bustard: Emphasized early incubation center models.
Current researchers: Highlight drone-based, non-invasive monitoring, tracking individual scale patterns, and mapping morphometric changes.
Climate scholars: Emphasize nest erosion, mangrove vulnerability, and importance of camera-based surveys initiated by PCCF Jha.
Detailed Analysis
The rise to 1,858 crocodiles validates 50 years of conservation but emerging pressures persist:
Human expansion near rivers of Kendrapara
Cyclones, salinity shifts, and erosion affecting nesting
Tourism–wildlife overlap, requiring regulation
Tech adoption—drones, AI-assisted cameras, scale-pattern ID—strengthens anti-poaching, reduces invasive census practices, and boosts conflict mitigation
Odisha’s mangrove ecosystem (India’s second largest after Sundarbans) contributes to:
SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
SDG 15 (Life on Land)
Eco-tourism revenue and livelihood diversification
Success indicators include:
Unique >10% adult survival in 6m+ category
High hatchling recruitment
Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. The 2026 census recorded how many saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika National Park?
(a) 1,826 (b) 1,858 (c) 1,811 (d) 1,950
Q2. Bhitarkanika National Park received which status in 1998?
(a) Tiger Reserve (b) National Park (c) Biosphere Reserve (d) Wildlife Sanctuary
Mains Practice Questions & Model Answers
Q. Analyze the role of technology in India’s crocodile conservation, with reference to Odisha’s initiatives. (150 words)
India’s Crocodile Conservation Project (1975) pioneered the rear-and-release model, reviving saltwater crocodiles from 95 survivors to 1,858 in Bhitarkanika (2026). Recent technological interventions—drones, AI-enabled cameras, and GIS mapping—support non-invasive monitoring, individual identification through scale-pattern profiling, and early detection of illegal activity. These tools also enhance conflict management, enabling rapid response to the 70 rescues conducted in recent years. PCCF Jha’s strategy integrates digital surveys to counter climate-driven nest erosion. Nationally, tech adoption aligns with CITES, WPA, and Ramsar frameworks, embedding crocodile protection within broader wetland conservation. Despite challenges like funding and tourism pressure, Odisha showcases how green technology in Amrit Kaal strengthens biodiversity governance while protecting livelihoods.
Q. Evaluate Odisha’s contribution to national biodiversity conservation through Bhitarkanika. (250 words)
Odisha’s Bhitarkanika is one of India’s most successful state-led conservation stories, hosting about 75% of India’s saltwater crocodiles, including 1,858 individuals in 2026. As the second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans and a Ramsar Site, Bhitarkanika plays a crucial role in national biodiversity management. Beginning with the 1975 UNDP/FAO Crocodile Conservation Project, Odisha revived the species from near-extinction caused by hunting under the Kanika kings. The Dangmal hatchery’s rear-and-release system, guided by experts like Dr. Sudhakar Kar, continues to deliver strong recruitment, seen in the 531 hatchlings recorded in the latest census.
Its mangroves offer ecological services—carbon sequestration, coastal buffering, flood moderation—while crocodiles regulate prey species and maintain trophic balance. Technology-driven conservation, including drones and AI-based profiling, strengthens resilience against threats like cyclones, salinity intrusion, and nest erosion. However, increased tourism pressures and human-crocodile conflict require integrated policies via the NGT and National Board for Wildlife.
Bhitarkanika demonstrates replicable models similar to Project Tiger, showcasing cooperative federalism in achieving SDG 15 (Life on Land). Overall, Odisha significantly advances India’s biodiversity conservation goals through a balanced approach combining ecology, technology, and community participation.