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World Crocodile Day

Topics Covered: Conservation related issues.

World Crocodile Day

Observed on June 17th every year.

It is a global awareness campaign to highlight the plight of endangered crocodiles and alligators around the world. 

India is home to three crocodilian species:

  1. The mugger or marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
  2. The estuarine or saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
  3. The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

Details:

Mugger:

  • The mugger crocodile, also called the Indian crocodile, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN.
  • The mugger is mainly a freshwater species, and found in lakes, rivers and marshes.

mugger

Gharial:

  • The Gharial or fish eating crocodile is native to the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is listed as a Critically Endangered by IUCN.
  • Small released populations are present and increasing in the rivers of the National Chambal Sanctuary, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Son River Sanctuary and the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Orissa.

gharial

Saltwater Crocodile:

It is the largest of all living reptiles. It listed as least concern by IUCN. It is found throughout the east coast of India.

saltwater_crocodile

Crocodile conservation programmes in India:

The Gharial and Saltwater crocodile conservation programme was first implemented in Odisha in early 1975 and subsequently the Mugger conservation programme was initiated, since Odisha is having distinction for existence of all the three species of Indian crocodilians. The funds and technical support for the project came from UNDP/ FAO through the Government of India.

‘BAULA’ PROJECT AT DANGAMAL: ‘Baula’ is the Oriya term for Saltwater Crocodile. Dangmal is in Bhitarkanika sanctuary.

MUGGER PROJECT AT RAMATIRTHA: The Ramatirtha center, in Odisha, is meant for Mugger crocodiles.

GHARIAL PROJECT AT TIKARPADA, Odisha.

CAPTIVE BREEDING OF CROCODILES AT NANDANKANAN, Odisha.

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. Types in India and their conservation status.
  2. Which species are native to India.
  3. Habitats.
  4. Conservation areas and programmes.
  5. Differences between three species.

Sources: Down to Earth.