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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

Muhammad phy Shafiq 4 days

An interesting conservation topic. Mugger crocodiles are also a fascinating example of physics in nature—especially when studying how force, motion, drag, and energy affect their movement through water and on land. Understanding these fundamental concepts can help us appreciate the science behind animal movement and the natural world. More physics concepts can be explored at Physics fundamentals Physics Fundamentals.

Hoffmon 5 days

I never knew mugger crocodiles were that interesting! The article really gave me a lot to think about. Speaking of creative things, I recently tried a photo to minecraft skin converter for my gaming profile. It’s so cool to see your own photo become a skin!

Muhammad phy Shafiq 12 days

The conservation of mugger crocodiles is a fascinating topic, especially considering their role in freshwater ecosystems and the challenges of human-wildlife conflict. For more educational content on science and nature, check out physics fundamentals

Hoffmon 16 days

Interesting article on the Mugger Crocodile! It's amazing how these creatures have adapted. Sometimes learning about wildlife feels as random as using a random pokemon picker to decide what to read next. Thanks for the insights!

Hoffmon 3 months

Great post on the Mugger Crocodile for GS III. After a long study session, I like to unwind by trying new looks with AI Image Editor – it's totally free and fun! 

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