A Review on Status and Conservation of Mugger Crocodile

Crocodylus palustris belongs to family Crocodylidae. It is only crocodile which is present in Pakistan. It is also found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Iran. According to IUCN, this specie is vulnerable due to illegal trade for its skin, habitat loss, excessive agricultural activities, construction of dams and roads, shortage of water, drying of streams, deterioration of freshwater ecosystem, incidentally catch in fishing net and hunting. It is listed in Appendix I of Cites and there is prohibition in the trading of this specie. It has variety in its feeding habits, and undergo aestivation and basking to maintain its body temperature. Till now marsh crocodile become extinct in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmer. In eastern Nepal, marsh crocodile was reported in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. In Pakistan, marsh crocodile is reported at Sindh and coastal areas of Balochistan. In the province of Sindh small number of marsh crocodiles were reported along the Nara Canal in Khairpur, Chotiari reservoir Sanghar, Deh Akro, Naushahro Feroze, New Jatoi Moro, Mangho Pir, Haleji lake Thatta, Shamzoo Park, khar center Karachi and Karachi Zoological Garden. Howerve, in Balochistan in the rivers of Hab, Fitiani, Nari, Dasht, Nahang, Kuch kuar and Hingol. There are 500 crocodiles in the areas of Makhi lake,1000 in Chotiari Reservoir& 226 in Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. In India, mugger crocodiles have been reported from ten states and estimated population is about 2500 to 3500. WWF Pakistan and Zoological Society of Pakistan are working for the conservation of Pakistan.