Kendrapara, Jan. 19 -- The population of estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park has recorded a steady increase, according to the Status Survey of Estuarine Crocodile-2026.
The census was conducted from January 8 to10 across the Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife).
As per Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife), Vardaraj Gaonkar, a total of 1,858 estuarine crocodiles were spotted in and around various water bodies during the 2026 headcount.
This marks an increase from 1,826 crocodiles recorded in the 2025 census, indicating a positive conservation trend.
The age-wise breakup of the 2026 census shows 531 hatchlings measuring below two feet, 442 yearlings bet...