Why in the News?
Similipal National Park in Odisha recorded an increase in its mugger crocodile population to 84 during a three day census in 2026, reversing a declining trend observed in recent years.
About Similipal National Park
- A National Park, Tiger Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve
- Forms part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve
- Included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009
- Among India’s most biodiverse protected landscapes
Location
- Situated in Mayurbhanj district, northern Odisha
- Lies within the Eastern Ghats
- Area of about 2,750 sq km
- One of the largest tiger reserves in India
Mugger Crocodile Census and Conservation
Census Findings
- 2026 census recorded 84 mugger crocodiles
- Increase from 81 individuals in 2025
- West Deo River alone hosts about 60 crocodiles
- Indicates stabilisation and early recovery of the species
Conservation Efforts
- Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
- Recovery attributed to the Ramtirtha Mugger Crocodile Breeding Centre
- Centre releases hatchlings annually into Similipal rivers
- Focus on
- Habitat protection
- Scientific monitoring
- Assisted population reinforcement
| [2011] Two important rivers — one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha — merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?
(a) Bhitarkanika (b) Chandipur-on-sea (c) Gopalpur-on-sea (d) Simlipal |
