Archive · 6 Aug 2025
Baby Saltwater Crocodiles Hatching in Odisha Park
Imagine tiny crocodiles hatching in a protected park!
In Odisha, India, over 1,500 baby crocodiles are starting their lives.
This park, Bhitarkanika, is a safe home for them.
The female crocodiles lay eggs in nests.
After about 70 to 80 days, the babies hatch.
Even though many eggs hatch, not all baby crocodiles survive in the wild.
Park officials keep watch over the nests and the area is closed for tourists to let the crocodiles nest peacefully.
Over 1,500 baby saltwater crocodiles hatched in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park.
Bhitarkanika hosts approximately 70% of India's saltwater crocodiles.
The crocodile population in Bhitarkanika has grown from 96 in 1975 to 1826.
Hatchlings began emerging two days ago and will continue for about two weeks.
117 nesting sites were observed this year in the national park.
- Who
- Baby saltwater crocodiles.
- What
- Baby saltwater crocodiles hatched and entered water bodies in Bhitarkanika National Park.
- When
- The emergence of hatchlings began a few days ago and is expected to continue for about two weeks.
- Where
- Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park.
- Why
- To re-establish the region as the country's largest habitat for these animals.
Ecological Importance
Potential Risks
Ecological role and perceived risk
Ecological Importance
Crocodiles help keep the riverine ecology clean.
Potential Risks
Locals are scared to venture into the mangrove forest because of the presence of crocodiles.
- Location
- Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha
- Crocodile Type
- Saltwater
- Current Crocodile Population
- 1826
- Year Conservation Started
- 1975
- Number of Nesting Sites
- 117
- Incubation Period
- 70 to 80 days
- Park Closure for Tourists
- May 31 - July 31