Odisha’s estuarine crocodile population increased to 1,858, up by 32 from last year. This growth follows a pilot drone survey introduced by the State Forest and Environment Department this year. The annual saltwater crocodile count took place from January 8 to 10, 2026. It covered rivers and wildlife areas like Bhitarkanika National Park, Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mahanadi delta, and the Devi river mouth. Odisha holds India's largest natural saltwater crocodile population. The office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) reported a total of 1,858 crocodiles. These included 531 hatchlings (28.58%), 442 yearlings (23.79%), 365 juveniles (19.64%), 167 sub-adults (8.99%), and 353 adults (19%). The Kanika Wildlife Range saw the most sightings with 1,424 crocodiles or 76.64% of the total, covering forests and rivers from Khola to Bhitarkanika-Pathasala. Rajnagar wildlife range had 292 crocodiles (15.72%), Mahakalpada range recorded 99 (5.33%) in the Mahanadi delta, and Gahirmatha wildlife range counted 43 (2.31%). The census involved 24 teams working across 54 segments using boat-based surveys both day and night. Crocodiles over 6 feet were counted during the day, categorized as sub-adults and adults. Hatchlings under 2 feet, yearlings (2-3 ft), and juveniles (3-6 ft) were counted at night with spotlights. P.K. Jha, PCCF (Wildlife), said a drone trial in December helped set parameters like flight height and timing. He added, "As a future strategy, drones and cameras will be used in selected river segments to identify and profile individual crocodiles based on distinctive morphological features. This approach will supplement existing population data, reduce observer bias, and strengthen the spatial database on crocodile distribution and abundance."