Saltwater Crocodile Count Rises in Sundarbans Reserve
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.