Crocodylus palustris

Common Names:

Mugger, Muggar, Broad-snouted Crocodile, Marsh Crocodile

Taxonomy:

Kingdom  :   Animalia
Phylum  :    Chordata
Class  :    Reptilia
Order  :    Crocodylia
Family  :    Crocodylidae
Genus  :    Crocodylus
Species  :   C. palustris (Lesson, 1831)

Conservation status:

IUCN :   Vulnerable
IWPAA :    Schedule I
CITES :   Appendix I
U.S. ESA :    Not listed

Distribution:

This species is found in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and possibly, in Bangladesh, its range extends westwards into eastern Iran. The species has become locally extinct over large parts of its range, with viable populations only occurring in Protected Areas (Santiapillai and Silva, 2001). India and Sri Lanka retain the major populations. In India, it is reported to be present in 15 of India's states including much of the Ganga River drainage. Significant populations occur in middle Ganga (Bihar and Jharkand), Chambal River (Rajastan and Madhya Pradesh) and in Gujarat.

Distribution map of Mugger (Source: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/5667/3046723)

Characteristics, Habitat and Behaviour:

The Mugger crocodile is a medium to large crocodilian species; an adult male may reach up to 4.5 meters (18 ft) in length and weigh 450 kg (1000 lbs). It has a distinctive aspect, and is the most alligator like of all crocodile species. While juvenile’s generally have a light tan colouring with some black cross-banding on the body and tail, adult specimens are generally gray to brown.

The Mugger is a hole-nesting species, with egg-laying taking place during the annual dry season. Females become sexually mature at approximately 1.8-2 m and lay 25-30 eggs (Whitaker and Whitaker, 1989). Nests are located in a wide variety of habitats and females have even been known to nest at the opening of, or inside, their burrow. In captivity, some Muggers are known to lay two clutches in a single year (Whitaker and Whitaker, 1984), but this has not been observed in the wild. Incubation is relatively short, typically lasting 55-75 days (Whitaker, 1987). Muggers are opportunistic predators and use all available resources as food. But considering existing resources, it prefers fish. Juveniles take crustaceans, insects and small fish generally. Adult muggers eat fish, amphibians, reptiles (mainly snakes and possibly turtles), birds and mammals (e.g monkeys). Large adults have been known to take deer and buffalo on occasions.

Major Threats:

• Habitat destruction due to agricultural and industrial expansion.
• Entanglement and drowning in fishing equipment.
• Egg predation by humans and illegal poaching for skin and meat and the use of body parts in medicine.
• Increasing incidents of conflict with humans due to encroachment by humans into the species' natural habitats.

References:

http://crocodilian.com/cnhc/csp_cpal.htm

Whitaker, R., & Whitaker, Z. (1984). Reproductive biology of the mugger (Crocodylus palustris). Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. Bombay, 81(2), 297-317.

Whitaker, R. (1987). The management of crocodilians in India. In: Wildlife management: Crocodiles and Alligators (Eds. Webb, G.J.W; S.C. Manoli & P.J. Whitehead). Surrey Beatty and Sons, Sydney. Pp. 63-72.

Whitaker, R., & Z. Whitaker. (1989). Ecology of Mugger crocodile. In: Crocodiles: Their Ecology, Management and Conservation. A special publication of the Crocodile Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. Pp. 276-297.

Santiapillai, C., & de Silva, M. (2001). Status, distribution and conservation of crocodiles in Sri Lanka. Biological conservation, 97(3), 305-318.