Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Bhitarkanika records 117 crocodile nests
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, India, has recorded 117 active nests of estuarine crocodiles in its annual survey.
This shows that the crocodile population is stable and that conservation efforts are working well.
The park is home to 1,858 estuarine crocodiles, and the number of nests has been high over the past five years.
The survey helps officials protect the crocodiles and their habitats.
Odisha is the only state in India where three types of crocodiles live in the wild: saltwater crocodiles, muggers, and gharials.
Bhitarkanika National Park recorded 117 active nests of estuarine crocodiles in its annual survey.
Kanika Wildlife Range had the highest number of nests with 106, followed by 10 in Rajnagar and 1 in Mahakalpada.
The park is home to 1,858 estuarine crocodiles, indicating a stable breeding population.
Conservation efforts over the past five years have maintained high nesting figures.
Odisha is the only state in India where all three crocodilian species are found in the wild.
- Who
- Forest officials and wildlife rangers
- What
- Annual survey of estuarine crocodile nests
- When
- Between May 1 and June 30
- Where
- Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha, India
- Why
- To assess breeding status and plan conservation interventions
Conservation Success
Environmental Challenges
Conservation Efforts
Conservation Success
The high number of nests indicates successful conservation efforts and habitat protection.
Environmental Challenges
Despite conservation efforts, environmental challenges such as habitat degradation and climate change persist.
- Location
- Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha, India
- Survey Period
- May 1 to June 30
- Total Nests Recorded
- 117
- Highest Nests in Range
- Kanika Wildlife Range (106 nests)
- Total Crocodiles
- 1,858 estuarine crocodiles
- Conservation Status
- Stable breeding population
- Crocodilian Species in Odisha
- Saltwater crocodile, mugger, gharial