Latest news with #WorldCrocodileDay
The Star
22-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Bitten, but never bitter
THE saying 'once bitten, twice shy' may ring true for most – but not for crocodile conservation officer Dr Sai Kerisha Kntayya. The 38-year-old Penangite, who moved to Sabah in 2004 after her father was transferred there for work, has been working with crocodiles since 2017. And yes, she's been bitten. Twice. 'Of course it hurts – their teeth are sharp,' said Sai. The mother of two girls, aged three and five, added that she's also fallen into the river more than once during night surveys. But none of it has stopped her from doing what she loves. In conjunction with World Crocodile Day last month, Sai, who works with the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), shared that safety is the biggest challenge in her line of work. Sai with a baby crocodile during a night survey. 'Crocodiles are powerful animals. Capturing and tagging them takes serious planning,' she said. 'I depend 100% on my team – every person plays a critical role in making sure things run smoothly and safely.' Some capture missions can stretch over three hours. 'One small mistake can have serious consequences. So trust and teamwork are essential.' Still, she says the fieldwork brings unforgettable moments: 'You learn to live with the wild – and that means close encounters with elephants, orang utans, bearded pigs, snakes, otters ... and so much more.' 'Every moment like that is a gift,' she said. 'A reminder of what we stand to lose if we don't protect what's left.' Besides the physical risks, Sai faces other challenges too: tough logistics, unpredictable weather, faulty equipment, long stints in remote areas and being away from family. But the most emotionally draining part? 'Dealing with public fear and misunderstanding,' she said. 'Many still see crocodiles as pests or threats – and demand they be removed whenever they show up. 'What's missing is the understanding that saltwater crocodiles belong in our rivers and seas. They're not intruders.' That's why, for Sai, outreach is as crucial as research. 'Education and awareness are just as important as data collection and fieldwork,' she said. As a woman in science, particularly in a field involving large, potentially dangerous animals, Sai says she's had to overcome assumptions. 'People sometimes question whether women can handle the physical demands, or balance motherhood with research. But I believe women bring invaluable strengths to conservation – empathy, attention to detail, resilience, leadership.' 'We just need the space and support to thrive.' And for young people dreaming of a future in science or nature? 'You don't need to have all the answers, and you certainly don't need to be fearless,' she said. They just need to care deeply, stay curious and be open to learning, and they might just find themselves falling in love with something they never expected, she added. Science, she says, is for everyone, and this planet – with all its wild, wonderful creatures – needs all of us. Looking back, Sai says her path was anything but predictable. 'If you'd asked me years ago if I ever imagined working with crocodiles, I'd have laughed. That would've been a definite no.' But she always knew she wanted to work with wildlife. 'So when the opportunity came, I took it.' Over time, she grew to understand crocodiles – and with that came deep respect. Today, these reptiles have a special place in Sai's heart, as she believes that if one opens their heart to something new, they may discover an entire world of meaning and connection.
The Star
22-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Siamese crocodile egg discovery bodes well for species' survival in Cambodia
Forty-three baby Siamese crocodile eggs were recently discovered in the Cardamom Mountains National Park. - Photo: FFI PHNOM PENH: Three nests of Siamese crocodile eggs – one of the world's most critically endangered species – were discovered in 2025 in the Chhay Reap area of Sre Ambel district, Koh Kong province, and in the O'Som area of the Cardamom Mountains National Park. Conservationists hope the eggs which were fertilised will hatch in the upcoming month of August. The Forestry Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and local communities, discovered three nests containing a total of 43 eggs within the Cardamom Mountains National Park in early June, according to a joint June 25 press release. 'Of the 43 eggs, 34 were fertilised. They are now being closely monitored and protected by our expert team and the local community until they hatch. The eggs are expected to hatch sometime in August,' it stated. It noted that the Siamese crocodile is a critically endangered species, adding that egg discoveries in two consecutive years strongly demonstrate the success of conservation efforts. They also underscore the importance of the Cardamom Mountains as a vital habitat for wild crocodiles, offering significant hope for the species' recovery. On World Crocodile Day (June 17), Fauna & Flora International stated that over the past 25 years, they have worked closely with government authorities, local partners and communities to save the Siamese crocodile from extinction in Cambodia, leading to a significant rebound in their population. These cooperative efforts have produced remarkable conservation achievements. These include the release of 236 juvenile crocodiles into the Cardamom Mountains and 10 into Virachey National Park — the first return in 20 years. In addition, a captive breeding facility currently holds over 500 individuals and 60 crocodiles from natural nests have been successfully hatched in the Cardamom Mountains, the largest number recorded. 'With our continued efforts to protect this critically endangered species, we are confident that Siamese crocodiles will continue to thrive in their natural habitats,' FFI stated. On the World Crocodile Day, WWF-Cambodia also highlighted the importance of the species, explaining that Siamese crocodiles are among the world's most endangered crocodile species — and also one of the shyest. "Unlike their more aggressive cousins, these crocodiles are generally timid around humans and rarely pose a threat. But don't underestimate their impact. "Known as 'wetland engineers', they play a vital role in maintaining healthy rivers and marshes by digging channels, distributing nutrients and creating habitats for fish and birds. "So, the next time you hear a splash in a remote Cambodian swamp, it might just be nature's quiet guardian at work," it said. In 2023, WWF-Cambodia continued its collaboration with conservation experts from FFI to restore this endangered species in the Srepok River area within the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary. This restoration project has received strong support from local authorities and the Mondulkiri Provincial Department of Environment. The initiative focuses on protecting and studying the reintroduction of pure-bred Siamese crocodiles back into their natural habitat to ensure their long-term survival. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Time of India
17-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Etawah celebrates 50 yrs of gharial conservation on World Crocodile Day
Kanpur: On the occasion of World Crocodile Day, Etawah district celebrated the golden jubilee of gharial conservation on Tuesday, marking 50 years since the launch of the initiative in Uttar Pradesh. The event, organised jointly by the Forest Department and the Society for Conservation of Nature (SCON), brought together forest officials, wildlife experts, educators, and conservation enthusiasts. Dr Rajeev Chauhan, General Secretary of SCON, highlighted that the gharial conservation programme was first launched in 1975. Under this initiative, eggs collected from the Chambal River in Etawah were incubated and the hatchlings were raised for three to five years at the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre in Lucknow before being released back into the Chambal. These efforts have led to a significant increase in the gharial population, which now stands between 2,000 and 2,500. Basrehar forest officer Amit Solanki credited the success of the programme to the collaborative efforts of forest officials, local communities, and public representatives. Forest officers Ashok Kumar Sharma (Badhpura) and Vinod Kumar (Qila Range) also shared insights into conservation and breeding efforts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Nirmal Chand Bajpai, Principal of Ashram Paddati Vidyalaya, recalled that before 1975, the Chambal River saw rampant fishing and little awareness about gharials, with their population dwindling to just 200 at the time. Dr Atri Gupta, lecturer in zoology at Janta PG College, Bakewar, emphasised the gharial's evolutionary significance, noting that it is among the world's oldest surviving reptiles. Of the three crocodilian species found in India—mugger, saltwater crocodile, and gharial—two, the mugger and the gharial, are found in Etawah. All are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. She also recalled that a natural disaster in late 2007 resulted in the death of 112 rare gharials. Dr Ramjanm Singh, a member of the State Resource Group, underlined the importance of the Chambal River, known for its pristine water—ideal for gharial survival and breeding. Sanjeev Chauhan, District Programme Officer of Namami Gange, noted that World Crocodile Day, observed globally on June 17, aims to raise awareness about crocodile conservation and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
The Star
17-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Crocodiles essential for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, says conservationist
KOTA KINABALU: Crocodiles, an often misunderstood species of reptile, play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and should continue to be protected, said the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC). Crocodile Conservationist Dr Sai Kerisha Kntayya of DGFC said in conjunction with World Crocodile Day on Tuesday (June 17), it was important to understand these reptiles and learn to co-exist with them. 'Although these reptiles are often seen as dangerous predators, it is possible for humans and animals to co-exist,' she said when contacted. She said crocodiles help maintain healthy fish populations by removing the weak and sick while as apex predators, they balance aquatic food webs. To promote co-existence between animals and humans, Sai said we first need to understand that it is normal to see crocodiles in the sea. 'They are strong swimmers and often travel long distances through coastal waters. Not all sightings require capture – we must learn to differentiate between natural behaviour and actual threats,' she said. She said Sabah is home to only one wild crocodile species – the saltwater crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus), which naturally lives in both freshwater and saltwater environments, including rivers, estuaries, and the sea and this species is fully protected under the state law. 'To minimise conflicts, we should always respect their space by avoiding, entering or disturbing known crocodile areas, especially during nesting season (May to August). These are part of their natural range,' said Sai. For communities living near rivers, she advised using designated access points that are safe, designated spots for bathing, fishing, or other water activities. 'Avoid riverbanks during dawn, dusk, or night when crocodiles are most active,' she said. Sai said people can also install safety infrastructure such as barriers (floating jetties, fences, or crocodile exclusion enclosures) in high-risk areas to reduce direct encounters between humans and crocodiles. She said public awareness and education programmes including regular outreach in schools, villages, and public spaces helps people understand crocodile behaviour, risks and safe practices. When carrying out activities, people need to avoid attracting crocodiles by disposing food waste, fish offcuts, and livestock remains properly as these can attract crocodiles closer to human areas, she said. When one notices or sighted a crocodile, they should report these sightings to wildlife authorities so they can assess the situation and take non-lethal action if needed, Sai said. 'It is useful and beneficial to support research and monitoring of these reptiles as well, as tracking and monitoring crocodile movement helps identify high-risk zones and plan safe human activities,' she said. According to DGFC, the saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile - growing up to seven meters long, can travel hundreds of kilometres by sea - some even crossing open ocean, and dubbed true living fossils as they have remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years. 'On this World Crocodile Day, let us renew our commitment to protecting our wildlife, respecting their space, and learning to live in harmony with these incredible creatures. 'Because when we protect crocodiles, we protect the health of our rivers, our biodiversity, and ultimately, our future,' it added.
New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Week-long celebration in Odisha as crocodile conservation turns 50
KENDRAPARA: Come Tuesday, Odisha will commemorate 50 years of its pioneering crocodile conservation projects on World Crocodile Day. In 1975, three conservation projects were launched in the state for as many species - salt-water crocodiles in Bhitarkanika, gharials in Satkosia and muggar in Similipal. These initiatives have gone on to transform reptile conservation in the country. 'The main objective of the crocodile conservation project was to protect their natural habitats and rebuild the population quickly through captive breeding,' said Dr Sudhakar Kar, noted herpetologist and former wildlife researcher of the Forest department. Over five decades, these initiatives have become one of India's most successful wildlife conservation programmes. 'We are happy for the success for which Forest department has decided to celebrate 50th anniversary of Crocodile Conservation Project in the state on June 17 by organising week-long meetings, seminars, workshops, photo exhibitions, quiz and painting competitions,' said principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), wildlife Prem Kumar Jha. Dr Kar began saltwater crocodile breeding and rearing work in Bhitarkanika in 1975 alongside noted Australian herpetologist Dr H R Bustard. He is continuing his pioneering work even 13 years after retirement. Expressing concern over the increasing human-crocodile conflict in Bhitarkanika, he said forest officials have warned riverside villagers not to venture into creeks and rivers and erected barricades at several ghats to prevent attacks. As per the latest census report, Satkosia gorge is home to 16 gharials, 1,826 salt-water crocodiles reside in Bhitarkanika National Park and around 300 muggers live in the rivers of the state.
