Kendrapada: Bhitarkanika National Park has recorded 117 active nests of estuarine crocodiles in an annual survey, indicating a stable breeding population and sustained success in conserving the mangrove ecosystem, officials said on Monday. The survey by the Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife), Rajnagar, between May 1 and June 30, covered all wildlife ranges of the park. The Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem, a designated Ramsar wetland, is home to 1,858 estuarine crocodiles, the report stated. The park recorded 122 nests of estuarine crocodiles in both 2022 and 2023, 114 in 2024, 116 in 2025 and 117 in 2026. The annual nesting survey is a key component of the long-term monitoring programme for estuarine crocodiles in Bhitarkanika.