Project Crocodile

Crocodiles are one of the largest semi aquatic reptiles that live in tropical regions of America, Africa, Asia and Australia. As crocodiles are cold blooded reptiles, they are mainly found in tropical regions close to equator and crocodiles require a climate that has a range between 30-35° C.

Asia and Africa have larger number of crocodiles in the world. Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators and caimans. In India there three kinds of crocodiles live namely Mugger, Saltwater crocodiles and Gharial.

Mugger

Mugger population is restricted to Indian subcontinent stretching from Chabahar of Iranian Baluchistan province to eastern part of India. Mugger is a fresh water crocodiles which are found in marshes, lakes and rivers. It is in the vulnerable category of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list. The main reason of their vulnerability is the habitat destruction, fishing and use of crocodiles blood and parts for medicinal purposes.

Saltwater Crocodiles

Saltwater Crocodiles or estuarine crocodiles are the largest reptiles in the world. Estuarine crocodiles are in Least concern in IUCN Redlist category. There are plenty of Saltwater crocodiles compared to Mugger and Gharial. Eastern coastal areas, Andaman and Nicobar islands and sundarbans are the main habitat of Saltwater crocodiles in India. The rare white crocodiles known as albino crocodiles have been spotted in Odisha.

Gharial

It is in a critically endangered list of IUCN Red list status. Gharial is identified as it has a bulbous knob at the end of their snout.

Odisha, a crocodile state

Odisha has most number of crocodiles in India. The state has the presence all three different kinds crocodiles namely Mugger, Gharial and Saltwater crocodiles or estuarine crocodiles. Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is home to largest number of Saltwater crocodiles in India. Odisha’s Kendrapara district is the only district in India to have all the three species of crocodiles. In 2021, a baby Gharial was found by fishermen in the district. Kendrapara is already home to the two species of crocodiles of Saltwater crocodiles and Mugger crocodiles.