1. Ramadani
2. Budi Afriyansyah
3. Amir Hamidy

Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest and longest crocodilian species in the world. The increasing human activities along river have been caused habitat degradation in watersheds. On the other hand, the crocodile population may have increased after decades of protection. Rivers that are habitat for crocodiles and have increased human occupancy have led to increase conflicts with crocodiles. This increasing cases requires the management authorities to immediately issue policies based on scientific data. Population data and habitat characteristics of saltwater crocodiles in the Bangka Belitung Islands are not yet available.  The research with the aim to know the population condition and habitat characteristics of the saltwater crocodile in the Antan River, Bangka Belitung Islands, was conducted using visual encounter survey method along 5 km. Observations were made in three time periods, namely morning, afternoon, and evening with 8 repetitions per period. Population were analyzed using the encounter rate formula, while the habitat characteristics were described descriptively. During the research, we only found one adult and this individual was sighted in the morning, afternoon and evening. This study also confirms that crocodile surveys should be conducted at night. The encounter rate at the study site was 1.13 individu/km. This value indicates that the population is small. The habitat type in the Antan river is a mangrove ecosystem with a depth of around 2.55 meters, water brightness 38.6%, water temperature 29.18℃, salt content 0.89%, and water pH 6.09. Although only one adult individual is found, it requires attention because in general conflict cases occur in adult individuals.