Solitary existence of albino crocodile at Bhitarkanika raises concerns

A rare albino crocodile named Shweta, residing at the Estuarine Crocodile Breeding Centre within Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district, lives solitarily as wildlife experts deliberate her future. 

Despite being four years of age and measuring over three feet, Shweta has still been kept inside a six-foot-long tank, and she has not been set free into open water as per the standard practice.

As per the practice, crocodiles should be released into natural waters once they surpass three feet in length or reach three years of age. However, environmental experts are apprehensive about Shweta's chance of future motherhood if released, mirroring the paths of other albino crocodiles like Gori and Malli, who have not successfully bred.

"Shweta has now grown over three feet. She should have been released into the river as per the practice. However, she has still been kept inside a six-foot-long tank.  Tourists are attracted to see albino crocodiles. If albino crocodiles like Shweta and Malli are released into rivers, they might breed more albino crocodiles, and that will attract more and more tourists to Bhitarakanika," said Bhashkar Routray, a local resident.

"If Shweta is kept in a tank like this, she can't reach motherhood like Gori and Malli. She should be released into the open water of Bhitarkanika soon so that she can attain motherhood," said environmentalist Pradeep Nayak.

The Legacy of Gori and Malli

Gori, recognised as India's first recorded albino crocodile, alongside Malli, who was born in 2003, are both prominent specimen at the Bhitarkanika research and conservation centre but have spent their lives in solitude. 

Concerns about their well-being and the risk of injury due to the possible attack by potential intercourse with other crocodiles have kept them away from experiencing motherhood.

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Decisions regarding Shweta's fate remain pending. Forest officials, under the guidance of the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), are considering the impact of potential risks against the possibility of her thriving in the river. 

"A decision about the release of Shweta to open water will be taken this year following an order by the PCCF," said Rajnagar DFO Sudarsan Gopinath Jadav.

This debate highlights the complex balancing act between conservation efforts and the natural instincts of these unique creatures.