Why in the News?

A 2025 survey by the West Bengal Forest Department shows an increase in saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR).

Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus):

Largest living reptile and the largest of all crocodilians.
Males grow much larger than females; females usually 2.5–3 m in length.
Habitat: mangrove forests, swamps, rivers, and coastal waters; tolerant of varying salinity.
Distribution in India: Odisha, West Bengal (Sundarbans), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Behaviour: Apex predator, feeds on carcasses and diverse prey; communicates through barks, hisses, growls, chirps.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
- CITES: Appendix I (except populations of Australia, Indonesia, PNG → Appendix II).
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I.
Conservation Efforts: Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976, West Bengal) – breeding and conservation programme; 577 crocodiles released till 2022.

Gharial: Critically Endangered; survives in only 2% of former range; Found in small stretches of Chambal and a few other rivers.
Mugger/Marsh Crocodile: Vulnerable; found in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes.