Bhitarkanika census finds an increase of 15 saltwater crocodiles from last year

News: According to official estimates, the population of the saltwater or estuarine crocodile has increased in the water bodies of Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park to 1,757

Facts:

About Bhitarkanika National Park

• ·         It is located in Kendrapara district of Odisha
• It is inundated by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, Pathsala.
• It is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India, the first being Sundarbans (West Bengal).
• It has been designated as a Ramsar Site.

Additional Information:

• Odisha is the only state in India having all three species of crocodile— gharial, mugger and saltwater crocodile.

Species of crocodile