Vishwamitri River

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment

Why in News?

Recently, the Gujarat Forest Department conducted a Mugger crocodile census in Vadodara’s Vishwamitri River after flood-mitigation works.

Location – It is a non-perennial river located in Vadodara, Gujarat.
It is situated between two major perennial rivers, namely the Mahi and the Narmada.
Origin – It starts from the Pavagadh hills in Gujarat.
Course – It flows westward through Vadodara, joining the Dhadhar and Jambuva tributaries.
Drainage – Finally, it empties into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat.
Ecology – Supports rich biodiversity and is home to Indian crocodiles in an 18 km stretch.
- It is highly meandering in nature.
Fauna – Mugger crocodile, Indian Softshell turtles, monitor lizards, and various bird species.

Quick Fact

Mugger crocodile

It is a medium-sized broad-snouted crocodile, also known as the marsh crocodile.
Scientific name – Crocodylus palustris
Habitat – They are primarily found in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes and marshes.
Distribution – India (15 states), Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Iran.
- Key populations – Middle Ganga, Chambal River, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta.
Characteristics – Crocodiles eat minimally during winters; it is only during their breeding season in summers that they become opportunistic predators.
Diet – Muggers primarily eat fish, crabs, insects, and small fish.
Adults consume amphibians, reptiles (snakes, turtles), birds, monkeys, deer, buffalo.
Threats – Habitat destruction, fishing equipment entanglement, illegal poaching for skin and meat and the use of body parts in medicine and human conflict.
Conservation status –
- IUCN RedList – Vulnerable
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I

Mugger crocodile

References