World Crocodile Day

Prelims: Current events of National Importance and International Importance | Conservation

Why in News?

World Crocodile Day, celebrated recently, commemorated the 50^th anniversary of India’s Crocodile conservation project.

• World Crocodile Day is celebrated annually on June 17^th to raise awareness about the conservation of crocodiles and alligators.
• It is an initiative of the Belize-based Crocodile Research Alliance.

India's Crocodile Conservation Project

• Started in - 1975 in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park.
• Species in India - The 3 main species of crocodiles are found in India,
  • Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus),
  • Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), and
  • Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus).
• Role of Odisha in Conservation - Odisha is the only State to host the wild populations of all three native species gharial, saltwater crocodile and mugger.

• Incubation and rearing centres were immediately established in Odisha for gharials at Tikarpada on the Mahanadi River and saltwater crocodiles at Dangamal in Bhitarkanika.
• Uttar Pradesh followed with centres at Kukrail (Lucknow) and Katarnia Ghat along the Girwa River.
• India holds nearly 80% of the global wild gharial population.
• Nesting sites - National Chambal Sanctuary (spanning three States), Katarnia Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandak River, Corbett Tiger Reserve, and Son Gharial Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
• The saltwater crocodile population has recovered in the wild, with Bhitarkanika in Odisha holding the largest share, followed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Sundarbans.
• The mugger crocodile, once severely depleted in numbers, has now reclaimed most of its historical range.

Reference

The Hindu | World Crocodile Day