Mugger crocodile population rises in Ganjam's Ghodahada reservoir

Berhampur: Population of the mugger in Ghodahada reservoir and its adjoining water bodies near Digapahandi in Ganjam district has increased by eight, according to the annual census conducted by the forest department.As many as 95 muggers were counted in and around the reservoir during the three-day census, which concluded on Thursday. Last year, the mugger population was 87. “While 63 muggers were counted in and around the 5 sq km reservoir, another 32 were found in 16 nearby water bodies through direct sight method,” said Sunny Khokkar, divisional forest officer (DFO) of Berhampur, on Friday.The mugger population was 84, 81 and 77 in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, sources said.“Restriction of fishing, habitat improvement and protection given by residents are some of the reasons for increase in the mugger population in the reservoir and adjoining areas,” said the DFO.Around 80 personnel divided into 25 teams were engaged in counting the endangered crocodile species from Jan 6 to 8. The DFO supervised the mugger count.Ghodahada reservoir is one of the three habitats for muggers in the state after Satkosia and Similipal. The other crocodile species found in the state are gharial and saltwater or estuarine crocodile.