Saltwater crocodile and human conflict around Bhitarkanika National Park, India: A raising concern for determining conservation limits

Abstract

Recently, there has been an increase in saltwater crocodile-human interaction around Bhitarkanika National Park and the present article briefs the recent attacks of saltwater crocodiles on humans in the region. Information regarding the attacks was extracted from national newspapers and CrocBITE. It is found that in last 15 years, total of 57 persons got attacked by saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) in and around Bhitarkanika National Park. The trend of incidents shows that the attack on humans is increasing every year, which might be due to the increase in the density of C. porosus in a limited area of natural habitat. July to October was considered as the critical season when maximum attacks occur as this is the nesting and probable hatching season of C. porosus during which the species remain highly aggressive. In the last 42 years, since the crocodile breeding and management project implemented in India, the conservation of the species has resulted in a significant increase of their number in Bhitarkanika National Park. Existing reports suggest that the present density of C. porosus in Bhitarkanika National Park has surpassed the value (Five to six crocodiles per km length of water) which was proposed while initiating the conservation programme. The present scenario demands for development and implementation of an updated management plan for the coexistence of humans and saltwater crocodiles. The conservation and management strategy of SWCs shall include determination of carrying capacity of the sanctuary, minimizing exploitation of natural resources, relocation of the SWCs to other feasible sites, creating awareness among local people, development of alternative livelihood for the locals and construction of more number of bath huts along the water bodies.