World Crocodile Day-2025: June 17

Why in news?

• World Crocodile Day is celebrated every year on June 17.
• This day is especially celebrated for the protection, conservation and awareness of crocodiles and other reptiles like them such as crocodiles and alligators.
• Its purpose is to spread global consciousness against the declining number of crocodiles, poaching and destruction of their habitat.

When and why did it start?

• This day was first celebrated in 2017.
• It was started by Crocodile Research Coalition and The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center.

Importance of this day:

• Crocodiles help maintain the ecological balance of water and land.
• They are the top predators of the ecosystem of many rivers and swampy areas.
• If crocodiles become extinct, the food chain can be badly affected.

Interesting facts about crocodiles:

• There are about 23 species of crocodiles in the world.
• The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world – it can be up to 7 meters long and weigh up to 1000 kg.
• Mother crocodiles protect their eggs and call out to their babies – this behavior makes them different from other reptiles.

Status of crocodiles in India:

• There are three major species found in India:
  1. Mugger or marsh crocodile
  2. Saltwater crocodile
  3. Gharial
• The gharial has been declared critically endangered by the IUCN.
• The "Crocodile Conservation Project" was launched in India in 1975, which has led to a huge increase in their numbers in areas like Bhitarkanika in Odisha.

Conservation challenges:

• Habitat loss (e.g. encroachment on river banks)
• Poaching (for skin, meat and medicines)
• Death by entanglement in fishing gear
• Human-crocodile conflict (especially in Odisha)