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Odisha's Crocodiles Surge: Drone Tech Aids Survey
20 Jan
Summary
- Odisha's saltwater crocodile population increased by 32 to 1,858.
- A pilot drone survey was introduced this year to aid estimation.
- The Bhitarkanika National Park area has the highest crocodile concentration.
Odisha has recorded a notable increase in its saltwater crocodile population, with the latest count reaching 1,858, an addition of 32 individuals since January 2025. This annual estimation, conducted from January 8 to 10, 2026, spanned key estuarine areas including Bhitarkanika National Park and the Mahanadi delta. The survey revealed a diverse age distribution, with hatchlings comprising over 28% of the population.
A significant development in this year's survey was the pilot implementation of drone technology for crocodile estimation. This innovative approach was tested in December to assess its effectiveness in data collection, aiming to reduce observer bias and enhance the accuracy of population figures. The data gathered will be crucial for standardizing future drone-based survey protocols.
The Kanika Wildlife Range, encompassing areas around Bhitarkanika National Park, reported the highest concentration with 1,424 crocodiles. This robust population underscores Odisha's success as a leader in saltwater crocodile conservation, with ongoing efforts to further strengthen monitoring and data collection through advanced technologies.
