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SECRETS OF INDIAN
CROCODILES
MUGGER
OR MARSH CROCODILE(CROCODYLUS
PALUSTRIS):
This
is the largest crocodile found in India. And is widely distributed in rivers and lakes.It’s distinguished characteristics is a broad snout with a row of 4
districts, sharply raised scales just behind the head.It often spends the day basking on river banks with its mouth openIt mostly hunts in water, with its diet largely being fish.However, larger crocodiles may attack, drag in and drown any animal
within its capacity to hunt including man!Mating occurs from January-March and 3-40 eggs are laid in a hole dug in
the riverbank’s sand.The female protects the nest fiercely, and also helps the
hatchlings to come out or the eggs and then carries them safely into the water.
GHARIAL
(Gavialis
gangeticus):The gharial is easily distinguishable
from other crocodiles by its long narrow snout which in adult males ends in a
bulbous tip.Essentially a river
dweller, it was once found in all major river system of the Indian subcontinent.However, man’s activities has now restricted its main habitat to the
Chambal, rapti and ganges river systems.Diet
is fish, turtles, birds and even small mammals.Gharial mate in December-January and nesting beings in late March with
about 20-40 eggs laid in a hole dug in the ground.The parents protects the nest and protects the young when hatched.
