Environment and Ecology
India Marks 50 Years of Crocodile Conservation Project
▪ On World Crocodile Day (June 17, 2025), India celebrates the 50th anniversary of its pioneering Crocodile Conservation Project (CCP), which began in 1975 at Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha.
▪ This milestone highlights India’s successful journey in conserving all three native crocodilian
species, including the critically endangered Gharial.
▪ Odisha stands out as the only Indian state with all three native crocodilian species thriving in the wild.
▪ India hosts 80% of the world’s wild gharial population, underlining its global significance in
crocodilian conservation.
▪ This project Supported By: UNDP and FAO.
▪ Species Conserved: Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) – Critically endangered, Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) – Vulnerable, Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) – Least Concern but locally threatened.
