devendra chauhan

Mugger Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) are apex predators of freshwater aquatic ecosystems throughout South Asia whose natural history and ecology are incompletely known. We present some noteworthy observations on feeding behavior, hunting strategy, and diet of the species based on seven observations during the last four years as part of a long-term monitoring study in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. We found Muggers of this region feeding on the domestic dog (Canis familiaris), Indian rock python (Python molurus), Indian flap-shelled turtle (Lissemys punctata), several species of fishes, as well as cannibalism events. Moreover, we review and discuss some published observations of the species.

Railway lines, roadways, canals, and electricity cable networks, pose serious problems to wildlife, fragmenting habitats worldwide. These infrastructures are well-recognized as linear intrusions. Today it is a threat to wildlife, including the Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). The current study documents 15 crocodile-vehicle collisions (CVC) recorded in two years (2021 and 2022); 11 were on roads, and four were on railway tracks. Sex was determined for 11 individuals (five males, six females), and four unknown due to crushing). A total of 13 individuals were found dead at the various sites of collision, and two juvenile individuals were found injured, and one of them was treated successfully and returned to the wild. The high numbers (9) of CVCs occur in the Central Gujarat and follow 3 CVCs in Saurashtra, 2 CVC in the Kutch region, and one in north Gujarat. Mitigation measures would be required for the collision situationsin Gujarat are discussed. The literature survey shows totals of 75 CVCs were recorded within the last 18 years due to the state's road (n= 51, 68%) and railway (n= 24, 32%) networks, with the highest numbers of 56 CVCs observed in the Central Gujarat and lowest 2 CVC noted in north Gujarat, and no CVC was noted in south Gujarat. The high number of subadults and juvenile muggers victimized due to the CVC. The CVC site location in different regions of Gujarat state positively corresponds to crocodile populations. However, the Mugger crocodile (C. palustris) has been nationally protected under Indian Wildlife Act as Schedule I species, the IUCN criteria as ‘Vulnerable’, and the Appendix I of CITES, therefore conservation acts are essential. The CVC incidences were recorded widely in the entire species distribution range, from Iran, India, and Sri Lanka and can be classified as an emerging threat for mugger crocodiles.

The Saurashtra Peninsula, the largest geographical region of Gujarat state, is a prominent place for herpetofauna in the state and recent herpetological explorations have uncovered three new reptilian species from this region. However, fine scale information on the distribution status of amphibians and reptiles, and baseline information about the regional herpetological diversity of many areas of Saurashtra is still lacking. In an attempt to fill the gaps in information, we surveyed the Girnar hill complex of Gujarat state for its herpetofaunal diversity from September, 2016 to August, 2018. In all, 56 species, comprising 10 species of amphibians belonging to 7 genera and 3 families and 46 species of reptiles, belonging to 31 genera and 15 families were recorded; of which, 2 unidentified frog and 2 unidentified lizard species need further taxonomic attention.