KALINGA TIMES (Orissa, India) 16 January 08 White crocodiles spotted in Orissa sanctuary (Manoj Kar)
Kendrapara (Orissa): The brackish water bodies and water-inlets along the internationally acclaimed wetlands of Bhitarkanika continue to be the most hospitable habitat for the highly threatened white salt water crocodiles, according to the latest census findings of estuarine crocodiles.
As per 2008 census report, there has been a marginal but proportionate growth of these crocodiles with 1498 species found inhabiting in and outside the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary. The figure was 1482 last year.
The outstanding feature of this year's census was that as many as 10 adult and sub-adult white crocs were counted inhabiting in these water bodies.
Besides these species in the wild, ‘Gori', a 33-year-old female white is being reared in captivity of a pen in Dangmal crocodile research centre. It is one of the treasured possessions of the wildlife sanctuary.
The latest census figure of salt-water crocodiles has brought in its wake an encouraging trend. As many as 148 large crocs of ten to twenty-three foot long were spotted.
The census exercise under the stewardship of wildlife officials of the state forest department was carried out from January 7 to 14.
At least three giant size crocodiles above 20 foot long were spotted during the annual enumeration operation, said official sources.
The length of crocs measured may not be immaculate, as the department has not adhered to under-water imaging system of videography.
The forest department has desisted from under-water image technique lest it may disturb the delicate reptiles. Besides, the department is not equipped with such state-of-the-art equipments.
“Of late the population increase of these species has been at a snail's pace. Its growth is getting stabilised and is also getting stagnated,” said a wildlife official.
There is definite need for extensive research on demographic pattern of these reptiles, the official said.
Bhitarkanika Ramsar wetland site, however, continues to be the congenial habitat of salt-water crocodiles with the swampy mangrove-infested region housing the largest number of these reptiles.
The region is crisscrossed by innumerable water inlets, creeks and nullahs all forming the part of Bhitarkanika river system.
It's a record as nowhere in the country these species are spotted in such abundance, officials claimed.
Wildlife researchers studying on salt water crocs are of the view that habitat of these species is getting squeezed with yearly growth in their population.
There is salinity content in water in about 26 sq km of water bodies within the national park. These reptiles prefer such ideal water bodies.
The salinity level in some of the water bodies might be dropping proving less ideal for crocodiles.
It should be intensely studied to ascertain whether desalinised water has any thing to do with reproductivity of these sensitive species, according to wildlife researchers.
White crocodiles spotted in Orissa sanctuary