The latest crocodile census has recorded an increase in the crocodile population in Odisha’s Similipal National Park. Official data shows that the number of crocodiles has risen from 81 last year to 84 this year. The census was conducted from 5th to 8th of this month, covering 20 locations across eight major water bodies in Similipal.

The Deo River recorded the highest count with 60 crocodiles. Of the total population, 78 crocodiles were found in the South Simlipal forest division, one in the North Simlipal division, and five at the Ramatirtha Crocodile Breeding Centre. Forest officials said the increase in the population of crocodiles reflects the success of sustained conservation measures, including the regular release of hatchlings from the breeding centre into different water bodies