Jan 28, (V7N) -  A female saltwater crocodile was released in the Charaputia canal of the Chandpai range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division on Sunday afternoon (January 26) as part of an ongoing research project. The project, focusing on movement tracking and conservation of the nearly extinct saltwater crocodiles, is a collaborative effort between the IUCN and the Forest Department, with financial and technical assistance from the World Bank.

The crocodile was fitted with a satellite transmitter before being released at 4 PM. Present at the release were Australian crocodile expert Dr. Ruchi, IUCN representative Mr. Dipu, and Md. Azad Kabir, an officer from the Forest Department.

Md. Azad Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Karamjal Tourism and Wildlife Breeding Center, stated that the project is essential for understanding the movement and behavior of saltwater crocodiles in the Sundarbans, which are at risk of extinction.

This is not the first instance of such an initiative. In May 2024, four crocodiles—two released in the Bhadra region and two in Harabaria—were also fitted with satellite transmitters and released into the Sundarbans. Research and conservation efforts for these crocodiles remain ongoing, providing critical data for the species' survival and management in the wild.

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