Skip to content
Free updates Login
SSCRailwayUPSC & State PSC

Saltwater Crocodile Count Rises in Sundarbans Reserve

20 August 20251 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYSaltwater CrocodileCount Rises inSundarbans Reserve20 August 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

West Bengal’s Forest Department noted a clear rise in saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) numbers in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, crediting conservation work.

Key facts

  • Largest of 23 living crocodilian species; also called estuarine crocodile.
  • Lives in brackish estuary waters, tolerates salt water and rides tidal currents across open ocean.
  • Indian habitats: Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha), Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • One of India’s three native crocodiles, with Mugger and Gharial.

Threats and status

  • Threats: habitat loss, fragmentation, fishing activity, illegal body-part use in traditional medicine.
  • CITES: Appendix I, except some Appendix II populations.
  • WPA 1972: Schedule I.

Test yourself

1. In which wildlife-law schedule is the saltwater crocodile placed under India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972?

The notes list it under Schedule I.

2. Which is NOT one of the three crocodiles native to India, according to the notes?

India's natives are saltwater crocodile, Mugger and Gharial.

3. What is the saltwater crocodile's IUCN Red List category per the notes?

IUCN lists the species as Least Concern.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 20 August 2025 (16 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizAugust 2025

Read more