Odisha's Crocodile Conservation Legacy

As India approaches the 50th anniversary of its Crocodile Conservation Programme in 2025, the state of Odisha is recognized as a pioneer in the efforts to recover crocodilian species in the nation. The Government of India launched the Crocodile Conservation Project on April 1, 1975, aiming to save the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and mugger (Crocodylus palustris) from near extinction.

Key Highlights:

• World Crocodile Day: Odisha plans to celebrate World Crocodile Day on June 17 to commemorate its contribution to crocodile conservation efforts.

• Initial Findings: A 1974 survey by herpetologist H.R. Bustard revealed that crocodile populations were critically low, prompting the launch of scientific conservation efforts with backing from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

• Establishment of Centres: Odisha established incubation and rearing centres for gharials at Tikarpada and for saltwater crocodiles at Dangamal, marking significant progress in conservation. Uttar Pradesh soon followed with centres at Kukrail and Katarnia Ghat.

• Successful Hatching: The first gharial and saltwater crocodile hatchlings emerged from the Tikarpada and Dangamal centres respectively in June 1975, only two months post-launch of the conservation initiative.

• Innovations in Conservation: Odisha became the first state to appoint dedicated wildlife biologists and set up India's initial conservation breeding pools for gharials, indicating a significant institutional commitment to wildlife preservation.

• Protected Areas: Bhitarkanika and Satkosia were designated as protected habitats for saltwater crocodiles and gharials and later achieved National Park and Tiger Reserve status.

• International Collaboration: Odisha engaged in international collaboration, such as importing an adult gharial from the Frankfurt Zoological Society to ensure robust breeding populations.

• Conservation Results: Presently, India holds approximately 80% of the global wild gharial population, estimated at 3,000 individuals. The saltwater crocodile population is around 2,500 while the mugger crocodile's numbers have rebounded to between 8,000 and 10,000.

• Research Contributions: Odisha stands out as the only Indian state having conservation centres for all three species. It has produced the country's first PhDs in crocodilian research, solidifying its authority in conservation science.

• Breeding Programs: With over 20 zoos, led by the Madras Crocodile Bank engaged in breeding initiatives, the need for wild egg collection has diminished.

• Future Projects: A new conservation project for gharials was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2025, aiming to enhance the species' distribution in the Ganges and its tributaries while potentially re-establishing its populations in Odisha.

This comprehensive framework established by Odisha serves as a blueprint for crocodilian conservation in India, highlighting the state's commitment and the resulting achievements over decades. As Odisha prepares for significant celebrations in 2025, it reflects on a successful history of wildlife recovery and conservation that has set standards internationally.