Hundreds of baby crocodiles break out of eggshells in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: Pexels

Hundreds of saltwater crocodile hatchlings have begun emerging from nests in the Bhitarkanika National Park, making their way into creeks and water bodies in Odisha's Kendrapara district, an official said.

The annual hatchling emergence began three days ago and is expected to continue for nearly a fortnight, as the tiny reptiles make their first journey from the nesting grounds to the water, the official said.

The spectacle marks another successful breeding season for Bhitarkanika, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of India's estuarine crocodile population. The crocodile population in the national park has risen dramatically from 96 in 1975, when conservation efforts began, to 1,858 now.

Forest officials said 117 nesting sites were identified this year. Female crocodiles generally lay 50-60 eggs, with hatchlings emerging after about 70-80 days of incubation.

Despite the large number of eggs laid, very few hatchlings survive to adulthood. "Hardly one in every 100 hatchlings grows into an adult," said crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar. Young crocodiles face a high risk of predation by aquatic animals and other predators in the wild.

The hatchlings emerge without their mothers and initially wander around the nesting sites before moving towards nearby creeks and water bodies. Forest personnel have been keeping a safe distance from the nests to minimise disturbance, as the reptiles can become aggressive when their habitat is disturbed.

The crocodiles build their nests on elevated ground using mangrove twigs, leaves and mud. The sites are selected to remain free from monsoon inundation and receive adequate sunlight, officials said.

To ensure an undisturbed nesting season, Bhitarkanika was kept out of bounds for tourists and visitors from May 31. The restriction was lifted on July 31.

Although estuarine crocodiles are also found in the Sundarbans of West Bengal and the mangrove habitats of the Andaman Islands, Bhitarkanika has a particularly high concentration and population of the species.

The crocodiles are also an important component of the mangrove ecosystem. Their presence keeps people away from the swampy forest patches, indirectly helping protect the mangroves from illegal tree felling and poaching, officials said.

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