Bhubaneswar, 10 March (H.S.): The population of crocodiles in Odisha has increased to 2,193, registering a 3.54% rise compared to the previous year, according to the latest census conducted by the state Forest Department. This information was shared in the state assembly by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia on Tuesday.

In a written response to a query from Baramba MLA Bijaya Kumar Dalabehera, the Minister stated that the picturesque regions of Satkosia and Tikarpada currently host 65 adult crocodiles and 22 hatchlings.

The census also documented a significant influx of birds across the state. A total of 24,90,986 birds were recorded in Odisha during the 2025–26 period. Although no rare species were identified at Chilika Lake, officials noted the discovery of two new bird species there, while five new species were spotted in the Hirakud reservoir.

Highlighting Odisha’s importance as a winter habitat for migratory birds, the Minister said thousands of birds—particularly waterbirds—arrive at the state’s wetlands each year to escape severe winter conditions in their native regions. These migratory birds typically begin arriving in November, with numbers peaking in January, and start returning to their original habitats from mid-February as temperatures begin to rise.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda