Mugger Crocodiles

Mugger Crocodile Latest News

Recently, an investigation has revealed that a banned pesticide named Aldrin was responsible for the deaths of mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in the Chandraloi river of Rajasthan’s Kota district.

About Mugger Crocodile

• It is a medium-sized crocodile and a member of the genus Crocodylus.
• Appearance: It has the broadest snout among living crocodiles. It has a powerful tail and webbed feet. Its visual, hearing, and smelling senses are acute.
• Habitat: It is found in a number of freshwater habitat types including rivers, lakes and marshes.
• Distribution: It occurs in the Indian subcontinent as well as surrounding countries: Sri Lanka in the east, Iran in the west, and also Pakistan and Nepal.
• It is a hole-nesting species, with egg-laying taking place during the annual dry season.
• Diet: Muggers are primarily carnivorous, eating mostly fish, frogs, crustaceans, insects etc.
• Threats: The main threats to this animal come from the destruction of its habitat and illegal hunting for its skin and for the alternative medicine market. 
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

What is Aldrin?

• It is a pesticide from the organochlorine group.
• It has been included in the list of banned pesticides by the Government of India because it persists in the environment for a long time and pollutes soil and water.
• It gradually accumulates in the food chain and can have serious adverse effects on the nervous system of humans and wildlife.

Source: DTE

‹ ›