Surge in Saltwater Crocodile Population in the Sundarbans

• 19 Aug 2025

Why in News?

The 2024-25 population assessment and habitat ecology report on saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the Sundarbans, released by the State Forest Department at the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, highlights a modest increase in their population, signaling positive trends in the region's wildlife conservation efforts. 

Key Points

• Population Assessment: The population of saltwater crocodiles in the Sundarbans has increased, with the latest report indicating a range between 220 to 242 crocodiles, up from 204 to 234 in 2023-24. 
  • A total of 213 crocodiles were sighted during the exercise, a rise from the 168 seen in 2023-24. 
• Environmental and Habitat Insights: Crocodiles in the Sundarbans are typically found in creeks with widths ranging from 10-130 metres, preferring a salinity range of 10-23 parts per thousand (ppt) and temperatures between 20°C-30°C during the winter months. 
• Positive Trends in Hatchlings: The report notes an increase in hatchling sightings, a rare and encouraging sign for crocodile conservation in the region, suggesting a healthy reproductive trend. 

Key Facts Related to Salt-water Crocodiles 

• About: It is the largest of all crocodilians, and the largest reptile in the world. 
  • Female saltwater crocodiles are smaller in size than their male counterparts, normally reaching a maximum length of 2.5 to 3 m. 
  • They tolerate salinity and are found mostly in coastal waters or near rivers. They are also found in freshwater near rivers and swamps. 
• Distribution: Tropical to warm temperate latitudes in the eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans. 
• Habitat: Mangrove forests and other coastal habitats 
  • The Sundarbans (the largest mangrove forest), Bhitarkanika (India's second-largest mangrove forest), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the three major strongholds of saltwater crocodiles. 
• Prey: Juvenile saltwater crocodiles eat small insects, amphibians, and fish, while adults prey on crabs, turtles, birds, and mammals.  
  • They ambush prey by hiding in water, killing it with a snap of their jaws, and dragging it underwater to consume. 
• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN Red list : Least Concern 
  • WPA, 1972: Schedule I 
  • CITES : Appendix I/II

Sundarbans 

• Location: The largest mangrove forest in the world, located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, on the Bay of Bengal. 
  • It is located 40% in India, with the rest in Bangladesh. 
• Ecosystem: Ecotone between land and sea (tropical and subtropical regions). 
  • Rich mix of habitats: freshwater swamps, intertidal mangroves, saline forests, and open water. 
• Global Recognition: 
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1987 (India), 1997 (Bangladesh). 
  • Sundarban Wetland (India) recognized as a Ramsar site (Jan 2019). 
  • Project Tiger: Royal Bengal tigers are top predators, maintaining ecosystem balance.