World's largest salt water crocodile found in India

The Bhitarkanika sanctuary on the Orissa coast has achieved an exceptional distinction of housing the world's largest salt water crocodile measuring about 23 feet.

In the North-Eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Orissa, India, the Bhitarkanika sanctuary is home to the world's largest 23 feet (over 7 meters) saltwater crocodile, and this reptile has now found a place in the 2006 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

This achievement has delighted the wildlife lovers and wildlife officials in the state.

S C Mohanty-Chief wildlife warden of Orissa confirmed that the creeks in the park are home to some of the world's largest saltwater crocodiles. During 1994 also, the Guinness book of world record had maintained that Bhitarkanika has the largest living crocodile in the universe. The latest census carried out by the wildlife division showed that Bhitarkanika has a total strength of 1,462 crocodiles, including 203 adults.

According to crocodile experts and senior research officer in the wildlife division Sudhakar Kar, about eight saltwater crocodiles in the sanctuary have grown to 16 to 18 feet; while five have a length of 18 to 20 feet and three measured above 20 feet.

Bhitarkanika, which has good mangrove cover and less human disturbances along with a large network of rivers and creeks, besides the largest living crocodile, has the distinction of also housing about 10 rare and endangered white crocodiles. Apart of those, the Dangmal Crocodile Research Centre also has a rare white crocodile named "Gori" in captivity for over last two decades.

Dr Kar said that the Dangmal Interpretation Centre located inside the Bhitarkanika Park has preserved the full skeleton of 19 feet 8 inch long crocodile found dead last year. However, the crocodile was initially cremated but later the wildlife officials retrieved the skeleton and decided to preserve it to make the people aware that the park is home to some of the largest salt water crocodiles of the world.

"Crocodile conservation measures have paid off in Bhitarkanika and it is a great success story," Mohanty said. Bhitarkanika is home to 84 % of the entire present crocodile population.