• Jan 25 2016
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Ramatirtha Crocodile Project

Crocodilians were threatened in India due to indiscriminate killing for commercial purpose and severe habitat loss until the enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. All the three species of crocodiles, namely, Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), in the river systems of Odisha were on the verge of extinction by the seventies. Crocodile population started to decline because of the increasing human activity in the rivers and their other traditional habitats, and consequent reduction in the extent of habitable stretches. Also, the survival rate of the crocodile hatchlings was relatively low because of predation. Piecemeal efforts were being made since the sixties to save the crocodile. FAO Expert, Dr. H.R.Bustard, engaged by UNDP/FAO and Government of India studied the prospects of crocodile rehabilitation, and based on his report and guidance a Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in 1975 in different States. Since Odisha is recognized for the existence of all the three species of Indian crocodilians, the Gharial and Saltwater crocodile conservation programme was first implemented in Odisha in early 1975 and subsequently, the Mugger conservation programme was initiated. The UNDP/ FAO provided funds and other technical support through the Government of India.