‘Slow growth rate of adult crocs boon for nat’l park’

Bhubaneswar: The annual crocodile census revealed the growth of only three adult reptiles at Bhitarkanika National Park from last year, and experts feel this rise won’t pose a threat to humans. Last year, within three months, six persons had been killed in crocodile attacks. And wildlife experts and crocodile researchers were apprehensive that if there is substantial growth in the number of adult reptiles, it could trigger more such attacks. Experts say well-grown adult crocodiles stray upstream because of infighting, resulting in conflict with humans. Crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar said man-crocodile conflict arises because of adult crocodiles. “We have a stable crocodile population in Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary and Bhitarkanika National Park. There has been a growth of only one sub-adult between 6ft and 8ft in length, taking their number to 167, while there are 348 adult crocodiles, up from 345 in 2023. So, there has not been a significant addition to both adult and sub-adult crocodiles,” Kar said.The wildlife wing of the forest department also believes the current size will not lead to conflict. Officials said 1,800 crocodiles is the maximum number that Bhitarkanika can carry. This year’s count revealed 1811 crocodiles. Out of the additional 18 estuarine crocodiles this year, 13 are hatchlings, and experts feel many may not survive. Susanta Nanda, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), feels territorial fights would be unlikely as adult crocs have comfortable space.