Along the West Deo River in Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve, a forest team scans the waterline. A pair of eyes breaks the surface. Further downstream, another crocodile basks on a sandy bank.

For conservationists, these sightings mean more than another reptile counted in a survey.

They are signs of a river system that is holding steady.

The latest census has recorded 84 mugger crocodiles, up from 81 last year, reversing a decline that continued for two consecutive years.

The increase may seem small. But for a species that depends on healthy rivers, abundant prey, and secure nesting grounds, those three additional crocodiles tell an encouraging story about the health of an entire ecosystem.

The census, conducted between January 6 and 8 this year, covered 20 locations across eight major water bodies within Similipal. More than 100 forest personnel, working in nearly 30 teams, surveyed rivers, streams, and wetlands across the reserve.

Their final count stood at 84 mugger crocodiles.

The figure marks a welcome turnaround after a dip in recent years.

Similipal recorded 81 crocodiles in 2021, 83 in........

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