📰 In News
- Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) population in Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR) has shown an increase in 2025 compared to 2024.
- 213 direct sightings recorded; population estimated 220–242.
- Increase in hatchlings, juveniles, and adults — rare and encouraging in this ecosystem.
🔎 Key Facts
- Largest reptile in the world; apex predator, helps maintain ecosystem balance by scavenging.
- Distribution in India: Odisha, West Bengal (Sundarbans), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Preferred habitat: Creeks & rivers with tidal widths <180m.
- Threats:
- Increasing salinity (climate change & sea-level rise).
- Shrinking mangrove habitat.
- Human-crocodile conflict.
🌿 Conservation Efforts
- Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976, South 24 Parganas, WB): breeding & conservation facility.
- Till 2022 → 577 crocodiles released into the wild.
- Protected under Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Listed in CITES Appendix I.
- IUCN status: Least Concern, but vulnerable locally.
📊 Significance
- Indicator species for wetland & mangrove ecosystem health.
- Boosts ecotourism & biodiversity conservation in Sundarbans.
- Critical for climate resilience in mangrove habitats.
Updated - August 20, 2025 03:38 am IST | The Hindu