Crocodiles in the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans' interconnected estuaries, deltas, and brackish mangrove swampland provide the perfect environment for the largest hypercarnivorous reptilian in the world - the saltwater or estuarine crocodile. Male saltwater crocodiles can reach sizes upwards of 7.0 meters (23 feet) and weigh as much as 1,200 kg (2,600 lb), while females rarely grow more than 3 meters (9.8 feet). Saltwater crocodiles can be found in many places worldwide, ranging from India's coastline throughout Southeast Asia to Australia. In the Sundarbans, they play an important role in balancing the ecosystem as an apex predator and scavenger, clearing the waterways of decaying carcasses. While the Royal Bengal Tiger may also take to the waterways of the Sundarbans, the saltwater crocodile remains the top aquatic predator, beating out the river shark, king cobra, and python.

Many visitors spot saltwater crocodiles basking along the sandy shorelines or scattered throughout mangrove thickets as they lurk in search of prey. You may even hear a tale or two from locals about this great predator. Estuarine crocodiles begin their courtship September - October, mate during the rainy season, and females lay eggs between November and March.

Saltwater crocodiles, too, face many threats. This includes illegal poaching, as crocodile eggs and skin are commercially valuable, as well as other threads, such as loss of habitat, loss of breeding grounds, climate change, and poor water quality due to pollution. There are many initiatives within the Sundarbans Reserved Forest to maintain healthy saltwater crocodile populations. This includes a breeding center at Bhagabatpur that the public can visit.

The Bhola River in Bangladesh is known for crocodile sightings, particularly during low tide when they bask on the muddy banks. One of the best ways to observe these ancient reptiles is by taking a guided boat tour along the Bhola River. These tours often coincide with low tide, when crocodiles are more likely to be seen basking on the muddy banks. Kalagachia Eco-Park also offers guided tours to observe these ancient reptiles in their natural habitat. These formidable predators are often seen basking on riverbanks or gliding through the waters, which are a testament to the region's rich biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled while exploring the creeks and estuaries, as the Sundarbans host one of the world's largest populations of estuarine crocodiles.