Satkosia Crocodile Census Odisha: Crocodiles increases in the Mahanadi

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Satkosia crocodile census Odisha reports crocodile numbers rising from 75 last year to 110 this year.
Out of 110, officials counted 88 mugger crocodiles and 22 gharials in the Mahanadi river stretch.
Annual bird census also recorded 3,915 birds across 53 species, mostly migratory visitors from Siberia.

Angul: The latest Satkosia crocodile census Odisha has revealed a significant increase in crocodile numbers in the Mahanadi river ecosystem within Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary.

According to census findings, the crocodile population has grown to 110 this year, compared to 75 recorded last year, reflecting successful conservation efforts in the region.

Crocodile Numbers Rise Sharply in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary

Officials reported that among the 110 crocodiles counted:

88 are mugger crocodiles
22 are gharials

Last year’s census had recorded only 59 muggers and 16 gharials, indicating a strong upward trend in both species within the gorge.

Forest authorities believe this rise is linked to sustained habitat protection, strict monitoring and the recent spotting of hatchlings, suggesting healthy breeding conditions in the sanctuary.

Census Conducted Across 22 Km Stretch of Mahanadi

The crocodile census was carried out beginning January 6 along a 22-kilometre stretch of the Mahanadi river within Satkosia Gorge.

Also Read | Simlipal Crocodile Census: Crocodile Count Rises to 84, West Deo River Emerges as Hotspot

A total of 14 teams, including nearly 70 forest officials and researchers, participated in the survey to ensure accurate counting and documentation of crocodile presence.

Bird Census Records Increase in Migratory Species

Alongside the reptile census, the annual bird count in the Mahanadi Ganda area of Satkosia in Angul district also recorded encouraging numbers.

This year, officials documented 3,915 birds, belonging to 53 different species, showing an overall rise compared to last year’s 3,842 birds.

Large Whistling Duck Tops the Count

The survey recorded the Large Whistling Duck as the most abundant species, with 1,017 individuals counted in the region.

Additionally, two species of cormorants were also spotted during the bird census.

Forest officials noted that the majority of birds recorded are winter migratory visitors, arriving mainly from the Siberian region in search of suitable seasonal habitats.

The bird census was conducted on the 17th and 18th of the month with the participation of around 150 forest personnel from three forest divisions.

Authorities say the increasing numbers of both crocodiles and migratory birds highlight Satkosia’s ecological importance and the effectiveness of wildlife conservation strategies in Odisha.