3-Day Crocodile Census Begins in Satkosia

Bhubaneswar: The Forest Department today began three-day exercise to count the crocodiles in Mahanadi and other water bodies of Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Angul district. As per reports, the crocodile census will continue till January 8 and is being conducted by 14 teams consisting of 70 personnel from the Forest Department.

The Forest Department has announced the suspension of boating services on the Mahanadi River on January 17 and 18 to facilitate crocodile counting activities. To ensure the census runs smoothly and without disruptions, the department has arranged for the use of country boats during this period.

The Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, spanning an impressive 795.52 square kilometers across the districts of Angul, Budh, Cuttack, and Nayagarh, is home to a significant population of mugger crocodiles. These crocodiles thrive in the sanctuary’s water bodies and are an integral part of its ecosystem.

Notably, mugger crocodiles are listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, offering them the highest level of protection in the country. Globally, they have been classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 1982, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.