Important Species of India - Crocodiles

Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) :

Mugger crocodile

• The mugger crocodile, also called the Indian crocodile, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent. 
• It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN.
• This crocodile is the most common and widespread of the three species of crocodiles in India.
• The mugger is mainly a freshwater species, and found in lakes, rivers and marshes.

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) :

Gharial

• The Gharial or fish eating crocodile is native to the Indian subcontinent. 
• It is listed as a 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.
• Threats to Gharial include increasing intensity of fishing and the use of gill nets, and the excessive, irreversible loss of riverine habitat caused by the construction of dams, barrages, irrigation canals, siltation, changes in river course, artificial embankments, sand-mining, riparian agriculture, and domestic and feral livestock.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) :

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.