Odisha’s saltwater crocodile population rises to 1,858
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims·
Why in news
Odisha’s State Forest and Environment Department reported a rise in the saltwater crocodile population to 1,858 following a drone-based survey in 2026.
Background
The survey was conducted between January 8 and 10, 2026, across Bhitarkanika National Park, Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mahanadi deltaic area, and the Devi river mouth. The population increased by 32 from the previous year, with the highest concentration (76.64%) found in the Kanika Wildlife Range.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceBhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Odisha, known for estuarine crocodiles.
- FactTotal saltwater crocodile count in Odisha: 1,858 as of January 2026.
- FactKanika Wildlife Range: Hosts 76.64% of the surveyed crocodile population.
- S&TDrone-based surveys: Utilized by the State Forest and Environment Department for population profiling.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the importance of technological interventions like drone-based monitoring in the conservation of endangered estuarine species in coastal ecosystems.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data accuracy: Drone technology reduces human error and risk in hazardous estuarine habitats
- Habitat monitoring: Real-time tracking of population density in deltaic and mangrove ecosystems
Keywords: Conservation technology · Estuarine ecosystems · Population profiling · Biodiversity monitoring
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Around 150 dead olive ridley sea turtles washed ashore in Srikakulam district · 24 January 2026
- Environment Minister directs officials to take precautionary measures to prevent forest fires · 23 January 2026
- Whale shark sighting off Visakhapatnam sparks fresh focus on marine conservation · 23 January 2026
- Hesaraghatta Grassland: Is the grass greener with the new tag? · 23 January 2026
- CAQM report says “secondary particulate” top cause of Delhi winter pollution · 22 January 2026
- First State-wise raptor assessment to be held in Tamil Nadu · 21 January 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.