- The Crocodile Conservation Project, initiated across multiple states in 1975, encompassed various initiatives.
- In Odisha, the Gharial and Saltwater Crocodile Conservation Program commenced in early 1975, followed by the Mugger Conservation Program.
- A notable outcome of these efforts was the significant rise in the estimated population of saltwater crocodiles in India, soaring from 96 in 1976 to 1,640 by 2012. Funding and technical support for the project were provided by UNDP/FAO through the Government of India.
- The primary objective of the Crocodile Project was to augment the crocodile population to a level where sightings of 5 to 6 crocodiles per kilometer of water were feasible.
- Strategies included egg collection, controlled incubation, juvenile rearing, marking, and release in protected areas, followed by the assessment of restocking success. To facilitate these endeavors, dedicated research units for Gharial, Saltwater Crocodile, and Mugger were established in Tikarpara, Dangmal, and Ramatirtha, respectively.
- Furthermore, captive breeding initiatives for all three species were carried out at the Nandankanan Biological Park.
- Recognizing the need for proficient personnel, the establishment of a Crocodile Breeding and Management Training Institute in Hyderabad in 1980 underscored the importance of trained staff for the project’s success.
ICRP- OBJECTIVES
- The conservation efforts extended to creating sanctuaries aimed at safeguarding the remaining crocodilians within their natural habitats.
- To expedite the restoration of natural populations, over 7000 crocodiles, comprising 4000 gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), 1800 mugger (Crocodylus palustris), and 1500 saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), were reintroduced.
- Additionally, the initiative sought to advance captive breeding programs and conduct research to enhance management strategies.
- Increasing the number of proficient personnel on project sites was prioritized, facilitated by the Central Crocodile Breeding and Management Training Institute in Hyderabad.
- Moreover, community engagement played a pivotal role, fostering personal involvement in the project’s objectives.
ACHIEVEMENTS
The Indian Crocodile Conservation Project has achieved notable milestones:
- Preservation of all three crocodile species from the brink of extinction, with many of their habitats now included in the state’s protected area network.
- Significantly contributed to knowledge enhancement and raising awareness about crocodile conservation, despite previous sluggish progress in the state.
- Emphasized the critical importance of habitat protection for securing the future of crocodiles.
- Beyond merely increasing crocodile numbers, the project has played a pivotal role in advancing broader wildlife conservation methodologies, research, and training initiatives.
- Fostered local community participation in crocodile management endeavors.
- Establishment of full-time research personnel within the wildlife wing, dedicated to conducting crocodile and other wildlife research.
- Utilization of crocodiles as flagship species in key wetland sanctuaries, enhancing conservation efforts.
- Active management of various other wetland species alongside crocodilians, including mangrove plants, marine turtles, freshwater turtles, monitor lizards, Gangetic dolphins, otters, and other reptilian fauna.
- Initiation of intimate international collaborations in wildlife conservation, education, and training, augmenting the project’s scope and impact.
CROCODILE CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES IN INDIA
- Baula Project in Dangamal:
- Named after the Oriya term for saltwater crocodile, this project focused on collecting saltwater crocodile eggs locally in Dangmal within the Bhitarkanika sanctuary.
- Since 1977, over 2200 young crocodiles have been released in creeks and estuaries, resulting in a gradual increase in the crocodile population in the Bhitarkanika river system.
- More than 50 released female saltwater crocodiles have successfully bred and laid eggs in the wild.
- Mugger Project at Ramatirtha:
- Initiated with Mugger eggs and juveniles from Tamil Nadu, this project began breeding muggers at the Ramatirtha center.
- Since 1984, over 600 muggers have been bred and released into the wild in Similipal.
- A census was conducted to assess the population status of muggers in major rivers and water bodies within Similipal.
- Gharial Project at Tikarpada:
- Gharial eggs were collected from various locations including Nepal’s Narayani and Kali rivers and the Chambal sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Hatchlings were obtained from eggs incubated in Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park and Uttar Pradesh’s Katarniyaghat sanctuary.
- Over 700 gharials raised at Tikarpara and through captive breeding at Nandankanan Zoo were released into the Mahanadi River.
- Challenges such as low survival rates prompted studies to understand the causes and proposed measures to increase gharial populations, including reducing fishing and navigation in certain river stretches.
- Crocodile Captive Breeding in Nandankanan, Odisha:
- Nandankanan Zoo established captive breeding units for all three crocodilian species.
- Muggers bred at the zoo were released into Satkosia Gorge, where they established well.
- Surveys conducted in 2004 revealed significant populations of muggers in the Mahanadi system and rivers of Similipal.
FAQs about the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project:
1. What is the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project (ICRP)?
A: The Indian Crocodile Conservation Project is a comprehensive initiative launched across multiple states in 1975 aimed at conserving and protecting crocodile species native to India.
2. What were the primary objectives of the ICRP?
A: The primary objectives included increasing crocodile populations to sustainable levels, safeguarding their habitats, advancing captive breeding programs, conducting research, and enhancing community engagement and awareness.
3. How were the crocodile populations restored under the ICRP?
A: Restoration efforts included reintroducing over 7000 crocodiles of various species, such as gharial, mugger, and saltwater crocodiles, into their natural habitats through controlled breeding, egg collection, and release programs.
4. What role did the Central Crocodile Breeding and Management Training Institute play in the project?
A: The institute in Hyderabad played a crucial role in training personnel involved in crocodile conservation and management, ensuring the project’s effectiveness.
5. What achievements have been made under the ICRP?
A: The project successfully preserved all three crocodile species from extinction, expanded protected habitats, contributed to wildlife conservation knowledge, and engaged local communities in conservation efforts.
6. What are some notable crocodile conservation programs within India?
A: Notable programs include the Baula Project in Dangamal, the Mugger Project at Ramatirtha, the Gharial Project at Tikarpada, and Crocodile Captive Breeding in Nandankanan, Odisha.
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