Reassessment of Status and Spatial Analysis of the Distribution of Crocodylus palustris in Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana State, India

摘要

We studied the population status of Marsh Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS), Telangana State, India, and analyzed their size classes, distribution, and conservation status. We conducted 64 night-time spotlight surveys between 2011 and 2017 to estimate the C. palustris population in the sanctuary. The density of sighted crocodiles, excluding juveniles in the night-time spotlight survey, varied from 5.50/km 2 to 5.91/km 2 . The population of C. palustris has grown from 0.41 to 5.4 individuals/km 2 in the sanctuary. Spatial analysis showed the statistically significant locations of high and low values and we discuss threats to the conservation of C. palustris to improve management practices in Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary.