The Hindu : National : Counting crocodiles in Sunderbans

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Thursday, Sep 09, 2004

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Counting crocodiles in Sunderbans

By Marcus Dam

KOLKATA, SEPT. 8. A census of crocodiles and dolphins that inhabit the Sunderbans, the largest delta in the world, will be carried out for the first time by the forest department in West Bengal. The exercise, scheduled for December, will also involve experts of the Orissa forest department.

According to unofficial estimates, there are more than 400 crocodiles and close to 100 snub-fin dolphins and porpoises in the estuaries in and around the islands. The species are deemed endangered. A census, it was felt, was imperative for effective resource-management in one of the world's densest mangrove forests famous for its Royal Bengal tiger.

Speaking to The Hindu, A.K. Raha, Director, Sunderbans Bio-sphere Reserve, said the census would take about 15 days and estimates would be made on the basis of "sighting and counting."

Much of the work is likely to be carried out at night when the crocodiles, which are cold-blooded, wade onto the banks in search of warmth. The census, however, will not include turtles, which enter the estuary only to lay eggs.

There is growing concern among conservationists over the death of dolphins ensnared by the fishing nets and sometimes caught in the trawler blades.

Authorities have requested fishermen to release the dolphins trapped in the nets, Mr. Raha said.

Conflict

There are also incidents of human-crocodile conflicts. This, despite warning to residents not to venture into the waters, particularly at night. Women, who go to the rivers to collect prawn, frequently become prey to the crocodiles lurking in the dark waters.

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