Description

Date - 22nd Jun 2021

Odisha became the only state where all three crocodile species live in the Mahanadi River. The three species are freshwater gharial reptiles, robbers, and saltwater crocodiles. This came after 28 freshwater gharial cubs were sighted at Mahanadi in the Baladamar area by the end of May.

The freshwater gharial reptiles are endangered species, and Odisha has seen this species naturally nest for the first time since they were first introduced to its rivers back in 1975.

Gavi eggs require approximately 70 days of incubation. Chicks stay with their mothers for several weeks or months. Officials keep a close watch on the calves with 24/7 drone surveillance. About 50 forestry workers from six forestry departments observe the hatched chicks.

They camp near their habitat, patrol water bodies, and spread information on over 300 villages near the river to help preserve the ghadial. Officials will observe the ghadials until they are in their natural habitat, which is deeper waters.

All the originally introduced Gharials that have been introduced to the state over the years are no longer alive. The state has waited over 40 years for the species to grow naturally and lay eggs. Over the past three years, the state has introduced 13 additional gharials into the Mahanadi River.

However, only eight people survived. While two of them are being tracked by the Forestry Department through their radio collars, the other six have disappeared from radar.

About three types of crocodiles

1. Reptiles freshwater Ghadials

Reptile's freshwater gharials are different from robbers and do not harm humans. These crocodiles come to shallow water to lay their eggs. Chicks remain in shallow water for the first year of life and move to deeper areas as they grow.

Most of the gharials previously introduced to Odisha were first kept at Nandankanan Zoo and then released into the river. Ghadials habitat is threatened by fishing and encroachment. They are often caught in fishing nets and then either killed or cut off their muzzles. These species are also weaker than saltwater crocodiles and robbers and do not survive in fights between them.

Ghadials are one of the longest living crocodile species. They are also known as piscivores. They are well suited for fishing thanks to their long, thin snouts and 110 sharp, interlocking teeth. Since 2007, they are listed on the IUCN Red List as endangered. They are also granted full legal protection and are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

2. Saltwater crocodiles.

Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the salt waters and brackish wetlands of India's east coast across Southeast Asia. They have been listed on the IUCN Red List as Least Dangerous since 1996. Crocodiles were hunted for their hide until the 1970s and are threatened with illegal killings and loss of habitat. These are the largest species of reptiles and crocodiles known to science and are considered dangerous to people living in the same environment.

The crocodile species is capable of dominating any animal that invades its territory, including other predators such as sharks and species of freshwater and marine fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, including humans.

3. Robbers

The robber crocodile is a medium-sized, wide-nosed crocodile that lives in freshwater habitats. Inhabits swamps, lakes, rivers and artificial reservoirs, and can also walk on land in search of suitable bodies of water during the summer season. Robbers dig holes into which they retreat when the temperature drops below 5 ° C or exceeds 38 ° C. Females dig holes in the sand for nesting and can lay up to 46 eggs in the dry season. The sex of the hatched chicks depends on the temperature during incubation.

Youngsters are protected by both parents for up to one year. Juveniles feed on insects, while adults feed on fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. This species has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1982. It is also threatened by the transformation of its natural habitat and is often entangled in fishing nets.

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