The White Queen and the Battle-Scarred King: Bhitarkanika’s Rarest Crocs

Описание: #Bhitarkanika #Saltwater Crocodile Kaliyan #Giant Crocodile #Wildlife Documentary #India Wildlife #Odisha Tourism #20 Foot Crocodile, #Crocodylus porosus
The Giants of the Mangroves: A Legacy of Conservation
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is the stronghold of India's estuarine (saltwater) crocodile population, representing a global success story in wildlife recovery. Once on the brink of extinction in the 1970s with fewer than 100 individuals remaining, the population has soared due to the "rear and release" project initiated in 1975 in collaboration with the UNDP and FAO.
The 2026 Census: Insights & Growth
The annual reptile census, conducted from 8 to 10 January 2026, utilized boat-based direct sightings and pilot drone-based surveys to monitor the health of the ecosystem.
Total Count: The 2026 census recorded 1,858 saltwater crocodiles, an increase of 32 from the previous year.
Massive Individuals: The survey confirmed the presence of at least three individuals exceeding 20 feet in length.
Living Legends: Don Kaliya & Mr. Lucky
Don Kaliya: A legendary pitch-black male estimated at over 20 feet, often identified by his missing or injured front paw.
Mr. Lucky: A massive bull frequently seen at Lucky Point, the high-salinity confluence of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers.
White Crocodiles: Bhitarkanika is home to rare leucistic (albino) crocodiles like Gori (born 1975), Malli (born 2003), and Shweta (born 2021). These rare individuals are kept at the Dangmal Crocodile Research Centre for protection and tourism.
Ecological Importance
As apex predators, these crocodiles regulate the health of the Bhitarkanika Mangroves—India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem. Their presence indicates a stable environment rich in prey like wild boar, spotted deer, and fish. The census helps park authorities manage human-crocodile conflict, as high salinity and habitat saturation sometimes drive large males toward human settlements.