Rapid Fire
50 Years of Crocodile Conservation Project and World Crocodile Day
- 17 Jun 2025
- 2 min read
On World Crocodile Day (17th June), India commemorates 50 years of its Crocodile Conservation Project (CCP) (1975–2025), with Odisha emerging as the epicentre of this pioneering ecological effort.
- Odisha is the only Indian state to host wild populations of all three native crocodilian species (Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)).
- Crocodile Conservation Project: India launched its CCP at Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park with support from United Nations Development Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
- It adopted the “rear and release” method, created protected habitats like Bhitarkanika and Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and promoted captive breeding and community awareness, making it a national model for crocodilian conservation.
- Crocodiles: They are the largest surviving reptiles, primarily inhabit freshwater swamps, lakes, and rivers, with one saltwater species.
- They are nocturnal and poikilothermic (also known as ectotherms or cold-blooded animals, are characterized by their body temperature fluctuating with the surrounding environment).
- Their survival is threatened by habitat destruction, egg predation, poaching, dam construction, and sand mining.
- Population: India hosts nearly 80% of the global wild gharial population, with around 3,000 individuals across sites like National Chambal Sanctuary, Katarnia Ghat, and Son Gharial Sanctuary.
- The saltwater crocodile population has recovered to about 2,500, mainly in Bhitarkanika, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Sundarbans.
| Read more: World Crocodile Day |
