Indian Crocodile Species - Crocodile vs Alligator vs Gharial

Crocodiles, large semi-aquatic reptiles, inhabit tropical regions across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identifies 23 crocodile species, categorizing 7 as Critically Endangered, 4 as Vulnerable, and 12 as Least Risk.
Through the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project, once-threatened crocodilians have been rescued from the brink of extinction and are on the path to recovery.
The project has not only significantly increased crocodile numbers but has also made substantial contributions to conservation across various related domains.
Specifically, the initiative targets the conservation of the gharial, saltwater crocodile, and mugger.

Table of Contents

CROCODILE SPECIES FOUND IN INDIA

MUGGER

Mugger or Marsh crocodiles are primarily confined to the Indian subcontinent, typically inhabiting freshwater environments such as lakes, marshes, and rivers.
Additionally, they can be found in coastal areas like saltwater lagoons and estuaries. In response to temperature drops below 5°C, both young and adult mugger crocodiles exhibit burrow-digging behavior.
The hatchlings of mugger crocodiles display a pale olive hue adorned with black spots, while adults showcase a dark olive to grey or brown coloring.
This species follows an egg-laying, hole-nesting reproductive strategy. Their diet includes a variety of prey such as fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The primary threat to mugger crocodiles stems from habitat destruction, fragmentation, alteration, fishing activities, and the utilization of crocodile parts for medicinal purposes.
Regrettably, this crocodile species has already become extinct in Myanmar and Bhutan.

SALTWATER CROCODILE

The saltwater crocodile, also recognized as a maneater, is considered the largest crocodile species on Earth and is alternatively known as the estuarine crocodile.
Its habitat includes regions such as Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park, West Bengal’s Sundarbans, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
Known for its ability to dominate nearly any animal entering its territory, this crocodile employs an ambush strategy to capture its prey, subsequently drowning or swallowing it whole.
Unfortunately, its reputation as a man-eater has led to targeted hunting, posing a significant threat to its survival. Additionally, the species is hunted for its valuable skin, while habitat loss further contributes to the decline in its population.

The current global conservation status of the saltwater crocodile is as follows:

IUCN Red List: Least Concern
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

GHARIAL

The gharial also referred to as the gavial, holds the distinction of being the longest-living crocodile species.
The name “gharial” is derived from its distinctive long and thin snout, resembling an earthen pot, known as “Ghara” in Hindi.
Currently, these creatures inhabit rivers in the northern plains of the Indian subcontinent, with the Chambal River on the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains recognized as their primary habitat.
Regrettably, the gharial population has seen a drastic decline, estimated to have dropped from 5,000-10,000 in 1946 to fewer than 250 in 2006.
The primary contributors to this decline include illegal sand mining, poaching, habitat destruction, floods, and extensive fishing operations.

The current conservation status of the gharial is as follows:

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

CROCODILE CENSUS IN INDIA

The Crocodile Census conducted in January 2020 covered Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park and its environs in the Kendrapara district. With 22 teams deployed, officials meticulously surveyed all creeks and rivers in the park and surrounding areas, revealing a total count of 1,757 crocodiles. This marked a slight increase from the previous year’s tally of 1,742 crocodiles.

The census also provided valuable insights into the crocodile population structure, revealing the following findings:

620 hatchlings
325 yearlings
288 juveniles
185 sub-adults
339 adult crocodiles

Furthermore, enumerators encountered notable specimens during the census, including:

12 albino crocodiles
4 giant crocodiles measuring over 20 feet in length, observed in various water bodies.

FAQs – Indian Crocodile Species: Crocodile vs. Mugger vs. Gharial

Q1: What are the different crocodile species found in India?

A1: India is home to various crocodile species, including the Mugger, Saltwater Crocodile, and Gharial.

Q2: How many crocodile species are there globally, and what is their conservation status?

A2: There are 23 crocodile species globally, with 7 categorized as Critically Endangered, 4 as Vulnerable, and 12 as Least Risk according to the IUCN Red List.

Q3: What is the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project, and what species does it focus on?

A3: The Indian Crocodile Conservation Project aims to protect and increase the populations of crocodiles, specifically targeting the conservation of the Gharial, Saltwater Crocodile, and Mugger.

Q4: Tell us about the Mugger Crocodile.

A4: Mugger Crocodiles are primarily found in the Indian subcontinent, inhabiting freshwater environments such as lakes, marshes, and rivers. They can also be found in coastal saltwater lagoons and estuaries. The main threats to Muggers include habitat destruction, fragmentation, and fishing activities.

Q5: Describe the Saltwater Crocodile.

A5: The Saltwater Crocodile, also known as a maneater, is considered the largest crocodile species. It inhabits regions like Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park and West Bengal’s Sundarbans. Unfortunately, their reputation as man-eaters and hunting for their skin contribute to their declining population.

Q6: What are the characteristics and challenges faced by Gharials?

A6: Gharials, known for their long and thin snouts, are the longest-living crocodile species. Their population has drastically declined due to illegal sand mining, poaching, floods, and fishing operations.

Q7: What is the conservation status of these crocodile species?

A7: The conservation status varies:

Mugger: Not specified
Saltwater Crocodile: Least Concern (IUCN Red List), Appendix I (CITES), Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972)
Gharial: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List), Appendix I (CITES), Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972)

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Indian Crocodile Species – Crocodile vs Alligator vs Gharial – UPSC Environment Notes