Context:
Annual reptile census at Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP) has revealed that saltwater crocodiles in BNP stands at 1,826 in 2025
Crocodile Conservation Project:
- Launched in – 1975 at Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha
- Established to protect and conserve 3 endangered crocodile species – Mugger, Gharial, and Saltwater Crocodile. (Read about Crocodiles)
- Initiated with support from – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Key Conservation Sanctuaries –
- Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha): Focuses on saltwater crocodiles.
- National Chambal Sanctuary: Spanning Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, focuses on gharials.
Bhitarkanika National Park:
- Location – Odisha
- Significance –
- 2nd largest mangrove forest in India after the Sundarbans
- Recognized as a Ramsar Site
- Important Species – Saltwater Crocodile, Olive Ridley Turtles, Kingfisher Birds
- Important Rivers – Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Patasala
- Gahirmatha Beach – Located in BNP, it is the largest nesting site for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
Source: DTE
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive Ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial
Answer: (c)
