Population Status of Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India
Author Affiliations
- 1Odisha Forest Department, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Baripada,
Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 2, Issue (5), Pages 92-94, May,22 (2013)
Abstract
Total 85 numbers of mugger crocodiles are recorded from six rivers named East Deo, West Deo, Palpala, Khadkei, Khairi and Budhabalanga running through seven Ranges of Similipal Tiger Reserve. Out of 85 individuals, highest 64 numbers of muggers are recorded from West Deo followed by 9 individuals from Khadkei, 6 from Khairi, 3 from East Deo, 2 from Palpala and 1 from Budhabalanga. Maximum size of about 2.45 metre of single individuals is recorded from West Deo River at Patbil darh region of Upper Barakamuda Range. The recorded size varies from individual to Individual according to different age groups and lies between 0.5 m to 2.5 metre. Among different age groups Juveniles are more (43.52%) followed by sub adults (21.17%), adults (16.47%) and yearlings (7.05%). Age group is unknown for 11.76% individuals. Among the study Ranges Upper Barakamuda Range hosts highest (52) number of mugger crocodiles followed by Karanjia Division (12), Nawana South Range and Jenabil Range (9), Nawana North Range (3) and no crocodile is observed from Chahala Range and National Park Range.
References
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