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Mugger Crocodile

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April 17, 2025

Prelims – Current events of national and international importance| General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.

Mains (GS III) Conservation.

Why in news?

Recently, Tamil Nadu Forest Department has conducted survey to map the population of mugger crocodiles in the state.

  • The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a medium-sized broad-snouted crocodile, also known marsh crocodile.
  • Scientific name – Crocodylus palustris
  • Distribution – India (15 states), Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Iran.
  • Habitat – They are primarily found in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes and marshes.
  • Appearance – The Mugger crocodile has the broadest snout among living crocodiles and it has a powerful tail and webbed feet.
  • Key populations – Middle Ganga, Chambal River, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta
  • Diet – Muggers primarily eats fish, crabs, insects, small fish.
  • Adults consume amphibians, reptiles (snakes, turtles), birds, monkeys, deer, buffalo.
  • Characteristics – Crocodiles eat minimally during winters, it is only during their breeding season in summers they become opportunistic predators and use all available resources as food.
  • Threats – Habitat destruction, fishing equipment entanglement, illegal poaching for skin and meat and the use of body parts in medicine and human conflict.
  • Conservation
    • IUCN – Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I
    • CITES – Appendix I.
  • Tamil Nadu to set up Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai near Kollidam River.

Survey by Tamil Nadu Government

  • The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is conducting a study on mugger crocodiles in the Cauvery delta.
  • To identify critical crocodile habitats in Tamil Nadu.
  • To understand the crocodile-human conflict and propose long-term strategies for habitat conservation.
  • Preliminary study has revealed that Tamil Nadu is home to a significant population of mugger crocodiles along Kollidam River.

References

  1. The Hindu| Tamil Nadu Surveys Mugger Crocodile
  2. World Wildlife Institute of India| Marsh Crocodile
5 comments
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kevin huis 6 days

The article on the mugger crocodile is really informative, and bgremover helps enhance wildlife photos by keeping the focus clear and sharp.  and with blooket hcks makes exploring nature and tech even more fun.

Pierson Yan 7 days

Wow, I never would have thought that crocodiles could suffer from urban-related stress. I can definitely relate to feeling stressed out by city life! My weird way of decompressing is playing this silly game called Ragdoll Archers; the chaotic physics are just a great way to turn my brain off for a bit. Anyway, really hope more can be done to protect the natural habitats for these incredible animals. Great, informative article!

kevin huis 14 days

The Mugger Crocodile is such a fascinating creature its adaptability in different habitats is impressive I was reading about it after trying pretty test ai which made me curious about wildlife

Sknrne 29 days

Witnessing a stickman writhe in midair following a balloon arrow's impact is more thrilling than any cinematic scenario.

ragdoll archers

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