Mugger Crocodiles
2022 JUN 21
Preliminary >
Environment and Ecology > Species extinction & protection > Species in news
Why in news?
- Some 50 mugger crocodiles have died in the last one month in a prominent waterbody of Rajasthan’s Kota city as a result of it being filled up for developmental activities.
About Mugger Crocodiles:
- There are three species of crocodilians—saltwater, Mugger and Gharial.
- The mugger crocodile, also called the Indian crocodile, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent.
- It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN.
- The mugger is mainly a freshwater species, and found in lakes, rivers and marshes.
Gharial
- The Gharial or fish eating crocodile is native to the Indian subcontinent.
- It is listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN.
- Small released populations are present and increasing in the rivers of the National Chambal Sanctuary, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Son River Sanctuary and the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Orissa.
- The Gharial is found in only some rivers of India which include: Chambal, Girwa, Ganges, Yamuna, Kali, Kosi, Gandak
Saltwater Crocodile:
- It is the largest of all living reptiles.
- It listed as least concern by IUCN.
- It is found throughout the east coast of India.
- Odisha is the only State in India having all three species gharial, mugger and saltwater crocodile.
PRACTICE QUESTION
Consider the following statements: Mugger Crocodiles
1. The mugger crocodiles are found only in the coastal waters of Odisha
2. Odisha is the only State in India having all three species of crocodiles- Gharial, Mugger and Saltwater crocodile
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
B
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