India Marks 50 Years of Crocodile Conservation Project on World Crocodile Day

On World Crocodile Day (June 17, 2025), India celebrates the 50th anniversary of its pioneering Crocodile Conservation Project (CCP), which began in 1975 at Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha. This milestone highlights India’s successful journey in conserving all three native crocodilian species, including the critically endangered Gharial. With Odisha at the forefront, this initiative has now become a national and global model for reptilian conservation.

Why in News?

India commemorates 50 years of the Crocodile Conservation Project on World Crocodile Day (17th June 2025). Odisha stands out as the only Indian state with all three native crocodilian species thriving in the wild. India hosts 80% of the world’s wild gharial population, underlining its global significance in crocodilian conservation.

Key Facts & Highlights

• Project Launched: 1975, at Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha.
• Supported By: UNDP and FAO.
• Method Adopted: “Rear and release”—capturing eggs or hatchlings, rearing in captivity, then releasing into protected areas.
• Protected Habitats Created: Bhitarkanika National Park, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, etc.

Species Conserved

• Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) – Critically endangered.
• Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) – Vulnerable.
• Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) – Least Concern but locally threatened.

Crocodiles – Ecological Significance

• Among the largest living reptiles.
• Inhabit freshwater ecosystems (rivers, swamps, lakes); saltwater species live in coastal estuaries.
• Poikilothermic (cold-blooded) and primarily nocturnal.

Threats to Survival

• Habitat destruction
• Egg predation
• Poaching
• Dams and sand mining

Population Estimates

• Gharials: ~3,000 in wild (Chambal, Son, Katarniaghat Sanctuaries).
• Saltwater Crocodiles: ~2,500 mainly in Bhitarkanika, Sundarbans, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Muggers: Widespread across India, especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Impact of the Project

• Revival of near-extinct crocodilian species.
• Promoted captive breeding, habitat protection, and community awareness.
• Became a replicable model for other countries in reptile conservation.