Crocodile count up

cuttack:even as the fear of extinction looms large over the estuarine crocodiles in bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, the latest enumeration held last month indicates a remarkable increase in its population inside the sanctuary. continuing to hold the distinction of harbouring the largest seawater crocodiles, bhitarkanika now boasts of having as many as 1330 species of estuarine crocodiles, an increase of over 232 reptiles to that of last year's count of 1098.the census of crocodile population in bhitarkanika is held every year during the winter season, according to forest department sources. this year,with the active participation and cooperation of locals, the enumeration was over in record time last month. indiscriminate fishing and pressure on the ecosystem due to human activities around the sanctuary have reduced the adult population of crocodiles. there are at present only 217 adult species in bhitarkanika which find it difficult to colonise in their natural habitat. as a result a strong instinct drives the crocodiles into finding new habitats close to human settlements. as most parts of the sanctuary have been converted into prawn gheries and river mouths are blocked by fishing nets throughout the year, the reptiles are denied their staple food, says biswajit mohanty, secretary of wildlife society of orissa (wso). mohanty fears food shortage and lack of natural habitat will lower the crocodile population.the very purpose of dangamal crocodile research centre, set up in 1975, would be defeated, he said.