Is a crocodile a reptile or an amphibian?......(CROCODILES)

 

CROCODILES

Introduction

• Crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles found in tropical regions of:
• Africa
• Asia
• Americas
• Australia
• There are 23 known species of crocodiles:
• 7 are Critically Endangered
• 4 are Vulnerable
• 12 are Least Concern (according to the IUCN Red List)
• In India, the three crocodile species are:

1. Saltwater Crocodile - Least Concern
2. Mugger Crocodile - Vulnerable
3. Gharial - Critically Endangered

Census in Bhitarkanika National Park

• In January 2020, a crocodile census was conducted:
• 22 teams counted crocodiles in creeks and rivers
• Total count: 1,757 crocodiles (up from 1,742 the previous year)
• Breakdown of counts:
• 620 hatchlings
• 325 yearlings
• 288 juveniles
• 185 sub-adults
• 339 adults
• Notable sightings: 12 albino crocodiles and 4 giant crocodiles over 20 feet long

1. Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus\ porosus)

• Scientific Classification:
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Subphylum: Vertebrata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodylia
• Family: Crocodylidae
• Characteristics:
• Largest crocodile species, with unconfirmed reports of lengths up to 8-10m
• Dark coloration with lighter tan and dark bands
• Capable of swimming at speeds of 12-15 mph
• Habitat:
• Found along the northeast coast of India and the Andaman Islands
• Large populations in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Sunderbans
• Conservation Status:
• Listed as Least Concern by IUCN
• Appendix I in CITES
• Schedule I in Wildlife Protection Act (1972)

2. Mugger or Marsh Crocodile ($Crocodylus\ palustris$)

• Scientific Classification:
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Subphylum: Vertebrata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodylia
• Family: Crocodylidae
• Characteristics:
• Medium-sized, max length of 4-5m
• Broadest snout among living Crocodylus species
• Grey to brown coloration in adults; light tan with black cross-banding in juveniles
• Habitat:
• Found in freshwater habitats across over ten states in India
• Estimated wild population: 3,000-5,000 adults
• Conservation Status:
• Vulnerable according to IUCN
• Appendix I of CITES
• Schedule I of WPA
• Unique Fact:
• Only city in India with crocodiles in natural habitat amidst human population is Vadodara.

3. Gharial or Gavial (Gavialis\ gangeticus)

• Scientific Classification:
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Subphylum: Vertebrata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodylia
• Family: Crocodylidae
• Characteristics:
• Longest of all living crocodilians
• Males have a bulbous knob-like protuberance on the snout
• Largely piscivorous with a long, slender snout
• Habitat:
• Once inhabited major river systems of the Indian Subcontinent
• Currently found in National Chambal Sanctuary and other protected areas
• Conservation Status:
• Critically Endangered by IUCN
• Appendix I in CITES
• Schedule I of WPA

Threats to Crocodiles

• Habitat Loss:
• Caused by agricultural and industrial expansion, urban development
• Hunting and Fishing:
• Crocodiles are hunted for skins, trophies, and indigenous medicine
• Wetland Destruction:
• Wetlands are under threat from mining and industrial activities

These notes summarize the key information about crocodiles, their species, habitats, and conservation status.

Threats to Crocodile Populations

Hunting and Poaching

• Crocodile skins are highly valued in the black market.
• They are used to produce luxury leather products.
• This illegal activity significantly reduces crocodile populations.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

• Roads and railways contribute to habitat destruction.
• They cut through landscapes, including protected areas.
• India's extensive transport network has led to increased wildlife mortality.
• Example: In Gujarat (2005-2018), there were:
• 38 crocodile-vehicle collisions
• 24 on roads
• 14 on railways (mostly near water bodies)

Human-Crocodile Conflict

• Diminished natural habitats force crocodiles closer to human settlements.
• This proximity increases conflict incidents.
• Notable conflict hotspots in India:
1. Vadodara, Gujarat
2. Kota, Rajasthan
3. Bhitarkanika, Odisha
4. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Statistics:

• 57 attacks by Saltwater Crocodiles in Bhitarkanika National Park over 15 years.
• 64 incidents involving Mugger Crocodiles in Gujarat over 54 years.

Conservation Management

Breeding and Rearing Projects

• Initiated in 1975 by the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment and the UN Development Programme.
• Saltwater Crocodile population growth:
• From 96 in 1974 to 1,768 in 2021 in Bhitarkanika National Park.
• Mugger population in Gujarat has also increased to over 1,500 individuals.

Gharial Recovery Efforts

• Successful recovery projects in Chambal and Gandak rivers.
• Recent conservation reserve declaration of 140 km of the Gandak river.
• Aims to support Gharial recovery and enhance the riverine ecosystem.