Mugger crocodile

Why in news?

• As per recent study threats like illegal fishing and sand mining pose a threat to the mugger crocodiles of the Rapti river flowing along the Chitwan National Park in Nepal, contiguous to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar.

About Mugger crocodile:

• 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

Answer