Mystery Surrounds the Death of a Saltwater Crocodile Near Bhitarkanika National Park

Crocodile Carcass Discovered in Kendrapara

Kendrapara: A five-foot-long male saltwater crocodile was discovered deceased on Tuesday in the Kochia rivulet, located near Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP), according to officials.

Saltwater crocodiles are classified as a protected species under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.

Forest officials have recovered the carcass from the water and transported it to the veterinary hospital in Rajnagar for an autopsy. The cause of death will be determined following the autopsy report, stated Manas Das, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) for the Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division.

The rivers, creeks, and various water bodies within Bhitarkanika serve as prime habitats for saltwater crocodiles.

A census conducted in January revealed a population of 1,825 estuarine crocodiles within the national park's river system, as reported by officials.

Given that saltwater crocodiles are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, a case has been filed regarding this incident, Das confirmed.

It is suspected that the crocodile may have fallen victim to illegal fishing activities in restricted water bodies, potentially becoming ensnared in fishing nets.