Context: World Crocodile Day 2024 marks India's 50th year of saurian conservation efforts, with concerns raised for Bhitarkanika, a critical habitat for crocodiles in the country.

World Crocodile Day 2024

• About: It is celebrated on June 17th. The recurrence is a global awareness crusade to highlight the problematic situation of endangered crocodiles and alligators worldwide.
• Organized by: Crocodile Research Coalition, a Belize non-profit organization, in conjunction with the Belize Zoo.
• Conservation in India: Bhitarkanika National Park

Crocodiles

• About: These are cold-blooded creatures, semi-aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.
• Crocodiles in India: India is home to three species of crocodiles:
• Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris): Found in freshwater habitats across the Indian subcontinent.

oProtection Status:

üIUCN List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable

üCITES: Appendix I

üWildlife Protection Act, 1972:  Schedule I

• Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): Known for its ability to inhabit marine and freshwater environments.

oProtection Status:

üIUCN List of Threatened Species: Least Concern

üCITES: Appendix I (except the populations of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, which are included in Appendix II).

üWildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

• Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): Characterized by its long, thin snout, primarily found in northern India.

oProtection Status:

üIUCN List of Threatened Species: Critically Endangered

üCITES: Appendix I

üWildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I