ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses aspects of conserving and managing the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India. Bhitarkanika is home to the second largest mangrove forest in India, after the Sundarbans. It covers a total area of 2154.26 km2, of which Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park covers 672 km2, the Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary covers 1435 km2, and the buffer zone in the Mahanadi delta covers 47.26 km2. There are 515 wildlife sanctuaries, 166 national parks, and 18 biosphere reserves in India. Of these, 18 wildlife sanctuaries, 3 national parks, and 1 biosphere reserve are located in Odisha. There are 22 crocodile species in the world. Of these, only three are found in India (Gravialis gangeticus, Crocodiles palustris, and the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus). A crocodile conservation program was introduced in 1975, and only 24 crocodiles were needed for farming and breeding at Bhitarkanika. The population of the saltwater crocodile was highest, at 1854, during the period 2010–2011. The population marginally declined to 1644 in 2013–2014. The main cause of the decline of this species was habitat loss and continuous hunting by humans for its valuable leather. Crocodiles are at risk and were declared endangered in India. Thus, it is our duty to conserve the species owing to its high economic importance and to maintain a balance of nature. Therefore, an awareness program should be implemented by governments at the national and international levels for the conservation and proper management of this species.
