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Types of Crocodile in India UPSC CSE

Crocodiles of India

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Summary of Crocodiles of India

Crocodiles are large reptiles that come from the crocodylia family. They are known for some being semi-aquatic and mostly found in several freshwater habitats (rivers, lakes, marshes, and estuaries). They vary in size, with some crocodiles reaching their size over 6 meters or more. The majority of the crocodile species face threats like habitat loss, hunting for their skins, and conflict between humans and crocodiles. Mainly, three types of crocodiles are found in India. Saltwater crocodile, mugger crocodile, and gharial, and they are least concerned, vulnerable, and critically endangered, respectively, on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, captive breeding programs and generating awareness.

Background of Crocodiles of India

Crocodiles are known to have emerged over 200 million years ago. They are ancient creatures which have been living since the time of dinosaurs. Crocodiles are now abundant in unusual places in India. They are one of the most threatened reptiles on the planet. On the basis of a global survey of more than 10,000 reptile species, it was found that half of all crocodile species are at risk.

Introduction of Crocodiles of India

Crocodiles are amphibians with a semi-aquatic lifestyle. They are around 6m in length, however they vary in size. They have a powerful tail, a tapered snout, and a streamlined and longer body.

Crocodile Species in India:

(i) Mugger or Marsh Crocodile
  • They are known to be dangerous egg-laying and hole-nesting species.
  • Such a mugger is found in freshwater habitat and also in coastal saltwater lagoons and estuaries, and that area is restricted.
  • Various reasons are responsible for their threat, which are habitat destruction, fishing activities, transformation, fragmentation, and also the use of crocodile parts for medicinal purposes.
  • They are medium-sized crocodiles, and their maximum is 3-4 meters.
  • They are found in the middle Ganges (Bihar-Jharkhand) and Chambal (Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajastha) basins in India and are globally found all over South Asia (India), Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, as well as in south-eastern Iran.
  • According to a 2004 survey, 83 muggers are found in Similipal and 64 muggers are found in Mahanadi.
  • Protection Status:
    • IUCN List of threatened Species: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act , 1972- Schedule I

(ii) Gharial
  • Generally known as Gavial is a type of Asian Crocodilian. Also called the fish-eating crocodile.
  • Specific Features:- long, thin snout. They eat fish and are considered to be less harmless.
  • Majorly, found in the freshwater of the Himalayan river
  • Primary Habitat: Chambal river
  • The secondary habitats of the Gharial include the Ghagra, Gandak , Girwa , Rāmgangā and the Sone rivers.
  • Sand mining, poaching, increased river pollution, dam construction, large-scale fishing operations, and floods are the major threats they face.
  • Protection Status:
    • IUCN List of threatened Species: Critically Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act , 1972- Schedule I

(iii) Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile:
  • At the global level, they are known as maneaters and are also known as the earth’s largest living crocodile measuring upto 2-3.5m.
  • They are found in Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, the Sunderbans in West Bengal, and the Andman and Nicobar Islands.
  • Globally they are found in Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
  • Threats: illegal hunting, habitat loss, and dislike for the species because of its name as a maneater.
  • According to the annual census in 2024, in Odisha, Bhitarkanika National Park detected a minor increase in the population of saltwater crocodiles.
  • Protection Status:
    • IUCN List of threatened Species: Least Concern
    • CITES Appendix I (excluding the populations of Australia, Indonesia and Papua Guinea, which are include in Appendix II)
    • Wildlife Protection Act , 1972: Schedule I

Conservation Efforts of Crocodiles of India

Due to deterioration of the crocodile population in India, with the collaboration of the Government of India and state governments, a crocodile conservation plan was launched, and in 1975, the UNDP/FAO crocodile breeding and management project was launched.

(i) Baula Project in Dangamal, Orissa at Bhitarkanika National Park:- Baula is the Oriya word for saltwater crocodile. Since 1977, 22,000 young crocodiles and 50 female saltwater crocodiles have been released into creeks and estuaries in the area. The operation has been a success because the crocodile population gradually increased.

(ii) Mugger Project at Ramatirtha, Odisha at Simlipal National Park:- The Ramatirtha facility for Mugger crocodiles started with eggs and juveniles from Tamilnadu. Around 600 crocodiles have been reared and released here since 1984.

(iii) Gharial Project at Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha

  • Gharial eggs were collected from various Nepal's Narayani, Kali rivers, and Chambal sanctuary.
  • Over 700 Gharials raised at Tikarpara captive-bred at Nandankanan Zoo were released into the Mahanadi River.
  • A survey was conducted in January 2003 to recognise the causes of Gharial's poor survival in Mahanadi. Recommendations include reducing fishing and navigation on certain river stretches to increase the Gharial population.

(iv) Crocodile Captive Breeding in Nandankanan Zoo, Odisha: All three crocodilian species are in captive breeding here.

(v) IUCN- SSC Crocodile Specialist Group

  • It was founded in 1971, as a global network of ecologist, wildlife managers, supervision officials, self-regulating researchers, non-government representatives, traders, etc., enthusiastic about the conservation of the world’s 23 living species of alligators, crocodile , caimans and Gharials.
  • The key focus of the group is to support the IUCN and the species surveillance commission in the conservation, management, and sustainability of crocodiles worldwide.

Conclusion for Crocodiles of India

Crocodilians were on the verge of extinction in India owing to uncontrolled profitable murder and significant habitat destruction until the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. They face other threats like habitat degradation, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.

To safeguard the crocodile populations and their habitats, several wildlife sanctuaries, conservation projects, and breeding programs have been implemented. Many laws and policies have also been introduced. Apart from natural habitat protection, captive breeding programs and community awareness initiatives are being undertaken. Future censuses will need to be undertaken by utilizing cutting-edge equipment to estimate the actual number of crocodiles in the country.

Prelims PYQS Of Types of Crocodile in India

1. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?(2017)
1. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass
3. Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(D) 1, 2 and 3

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