Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Bhitarkanika National Park Crocodile Population Rises
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, India, has 1,858 estuarine crocodiles, according to the latest census.
This is 32 more than last year.
The park is a safe home for these crocodiles, with different sizes like tiny hatchlings and big adults.
The forest department used boats to count the crocodiles during the day and at night.
They are also trying new ways like drones to count crocodiles better.
Odisha is special because it has all three types of crocodiles in the wild.
The park's conservation efforts have helped increase the number of saltwater and mugger crocodiles, but not gharials.
Bhitarkanika National Park has 1,858 estuarine crocodiles, an increase of 32 from last year.
The park is a safe habitat for saltwater crocodiles, with 353 adults measuring 8 feet or more.
The census categorized crocodiles into hatchlings, yearlings, juveniles, sub-adults, and adults.
The survey was conducted using boat-based direct observation over three days in January.
The forest department is exploring drone and camera-based techniques for future population monitoring.
- Who
- Forest department officials and census teams
- What
- Conducted a crocodile census in Bhitarkanika National Park
- When
- January 8-10, 2026
- Where
- Bhitarkanika National Park, Kendrapara district, Odisha, India
- Why
- To monitor and assess the estuarine crocodile population
- Total Crocodiles
- 1,858
- Increase from 2025
- 32
- Adult Crocodiles (8+ ft)
- 353
- Hatchlings (<2 ft)
- 531
- Yearlings (2-3 ft)
- 442
- Juveniles (3-6 ft)
- 365
- Sub-adults (6-8 ft)
- 167
- Census Teams
- 24
- Survey Method
- Boat-based direct observation
- Survey Duration
- January 8-10
