Context:
Marginal increase of salt water crocodile in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika
Saltwater crocodile:
- Also called – Estuarine crocodile
- Native to – Indian Subcontinent
- Also found in – Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and the Solomon Islands.
- Features –
- Can tolerate saltwater in the oceans
- Travel long distances over the open ocean making use of tidal currents.
- Habitats in India – Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika National Park and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Threats –
- Habitat destruction and fragmentation
- Exploitation for medicinal purposes.
- Protection Status –
- IUCN List – Least Concern
- CITES – Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I
- Significance – Largest species of crocodilian in the world
Bhitarkanika National Park:
- Location – Odisha
- Significance –2nd largest mangrove forest in India after the Sundarbans
- Important Species – Saltwater Crocodile, Olive Ridley Turtles, Kingfisher Birds
- Important Rivers – Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Patasala
Source: Down To Earth
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)
