Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai

Tags: Environment

Crocodile Conservation Centre  at Anaikarai

Why in news?

• A Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district (Tamil Nadu)is to be established by the Forest Department to mitigate human-crocodile conflict in the Kollidam.

Aims:

• The centre will be established at a cost of 2.5 crore based on a detailed proposal sent by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Chennai to mitigate human-crocodile conflict in the Kollidam.
•  To create awareness among local communities on human safety and conservation of the reptiles.

Crocodile Conservation Project:

• The Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in 1975 in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park: 
• The project was launched in response to the threat of extinction due to habitat loss and indiscriminate killing for commercial purposes. 
• The project's success is attributed to the breeding and rearing centers established in 34 locations across India.
•  World Crocodile Day, also known as World Crocodile Day, is celebrated all over the world on 17 June every year. 
• The main objective of celebrating World Crocodile Day is a global campaign to raise public awareness about the endangered crocodiles and alligators around the world and highlight their plight.

Annual Reptile Census 2023:

• According to the Annual Reptile Census 2023, a slight increase in the number of saltwater crocodiles has been recorded in the areas around Bhitarkanika National Park in India.
• The three main species of crocodilians in India are the saltwater crocodile, the mugger, and the gharial. 
• The Kendrapara district of Odisha is theonly district in India where all three species are found.