BHAGABATPUR CROCODILE PROJECT – Sundarban

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project is situated on the northern bank of the river Saptamukhi, opposite the Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary. This project was initiated in the year 1976 with an object of replenishing the depleting estuarine crocodile population of the Sunderbans by hatching crocodiles from the eggs collected from nature. Since the inception of this project, about 370 crocodiles have been reared in this centre and released into the wild. One can observe estuarine crocodiles of different sizes here. There o exists a small Interpretation Centre

Key Highlights of Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project

1. Location and Accessibility

Visitors can reach Jharkhali or Godkhali and then take a boat ride to the project site.

Situated near Lothian Island and Saptamukhi River, Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project is easily accessible by boat from Namkhana, Bakkhali, and Sagar Island.

2. Importance of Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project

• The project plays a crucial role in the conservation of estuarine crocodiles, which are classified as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.
• It helps in the breeding, hatching, and rearing of baby crocodiles before releasing them into the wild.
• The center also contributes to ecotourism and environmental awareness in the Sundarbans region.

3. Wildlife at Bhagabatpur

Apart from crocodiles, the sanctuary is home to a variety of other species, including:

• Gangetic river dolphins (Platanista gangetica), often spotted in nearby waters.
• Mangrove trees and diverse flora, including Sundari, Goran, and Keora trees.
• Different species of fish, turtles, and birds that thrive in the brackish waters of the estuary.

4. Best Time to Visit

• The ideal time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant.
• Avoid monsoon season (June–September) due to high tides and heavy rainfall.