Why in News? 

India celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Crocodile Conservation Project on World Crocodile Day, 17 June 2025. 

Key Highlights 

• 50th Anniversary on World Crocodile Day (17 June 2025): India celebrated 50 years of the Crocodile Conservation Project (CCP), launched in 1975 at Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha, marking a major milestone in reptile conservation. 
• Support & Strategy: Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the project used a “rear and release” method of rearing crocodile hatchlings in captivity and releasing them into protected areas like Bhitarkanika and Satkosia. 
• Key Species Conserved: The project successfully revived populations of three native crocodilians—Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus, Critically Endangered), Mugger (Crocodylus palustris, Vulnerable), and Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus, Least Concern). 
• Global Impact: With Odisha being the only Indian state hosting all three species and India holding 80% of the world’s wild gharials, the CCP has become a global model for reptile conservation through habitat protection and community awareness.