Rising Population of Saltwater Crocodiles in Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve

Context:

The West Bengal Forest Department’s 2025 survey has recorded a population increase of saltwater crocodiles, particularly hatchlings, in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR).

About:

Largest living reptile and apex predator of estuarine ecosystems.
Described as a hypercarnivorous apex predator that maintains aquatic ecosystem health by feeding on carcasses.

Geographical Distribution in India:

Found in Sundarbans (West Bengal), mangroves and rivers of Odisha, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Major conservation facility: Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, established 1976).

Population Status (2025 Study):

Estimated between 220 – 242 individuals (213 direct sightings).
Significant rise from 2024, when the maximum estimate was 234.
Composition in 2025: 125 adults, 88 juveniles, and 23 hatchlings (vs. only 2 hatchlings in 2024).
Encounter rate: 18 per km, i.e., one crocodile every 5.5 km of surveyed stretch.

Conservation Aspects:

Categorized as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.
Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (highest protection).
Protected under CITES Appendix I (international trade prohibition).
Conservation aided by GPS mapping, habitat characterization, and breeding programmes.

Difference Between Crocodile, Mugger (Marsh Crocodile) and Gharial:

Feature	Crocodile	Mugger (Marsh Crocodile)	Gharial
Snout Shape	V-shaped, relatively narrow	Broad, U-shaped	Very long, thin, elongated
Habitat	Rivers, estuaries, mangroves, brackish waters (salt tolerance high)	Freshwater rivers, lakes, reservoirs, marshes	Major rivers with deep, fast-flowing waters
Geographical Range	Widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Americas; in India mainly Sundarbans and east coast	Indian subcontinent: rivers, lakes of central & peninsular India	Northern India: Chambal, Ganga, Mahanadi, Brahmaputra
Diet	Carnivorous: fish, birds, mammals, sometimes livestock	Opportunistic feeder: fish, reptiles, mammals, birds	Mostly piscivorous (fish-eating specialist)
Salt Glands	Well-developed; allows survival in saline water	Poorly developed; restricted to freshwater	Absent; freshwater only
Conservation Status (IUCN)	Species-specific (Saltwater Crocodile – Least Concern)	Vulnerable	Critically Endangered
Unique Feature	Can thrive in both fresh & saline waters	Most widespread crocodilian in India	Male has bulbous growth (‘ghara’) at snout tip