Question

Nesting ecology of mugger crocodile in south india

Answer 1

• Common Names: Mugger, marsh crocodile, swamp  crocodile .

• The Mugger is a medium-sized crocodile (maximum length 4-5 m), and has the broadest snout of any living member of the genus Crocodylus. It is principally restricted to the Indian subcontinent where it may be found in a number of freshwater habitat types including rivers, lakes and marshes. In India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Iran, C. palustris has adapted well to reservoirs, irrigation canals and man-made ponds. The Mugger can even be found in coastal saltwater lagoons and estuaries (Whitaker 1987; Whitaker and Whitaker 1984; Whitaker and Andrews 2003).

• In some areas of northern India and Nepal, Mugger tend to occupy habitat that is marginal for Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), but will sometimes compete for basking and nesting banks where they are sympatric. When found together with Gharial, Mugger will bask on midstream rocks or muddy banks (Groombridge 1982).