News: According to official estimates, the population of the saltwater or estuarine crocodile has increased in the water bodies of Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park to 1,757
Facts:
About Bhitarkanika National Park
- · It is located in Kendrapara district of Odisha
- It is inundated by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, Pathsala.
- It is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India, the first being Sundarbans (West Bengal).
- It has been designated as a Ramsar Site.
Additional Information:
- Odisha is the only state in India having all three species of crocodile— gharial, mugger and saltwater crocodile.
Species of crocodile
| Species | IUCN Status |
| Saltwater Crocodile | Least concern |
| Mugger | Vulnerable |
| Gharial | Critically Endangered |
