REPORT ON DEATH OF A MUGGER CROCODYLUS PALUSTRIS IN WILD INSIDE SEVULIPAL TIGER RESERVE, ORISSA, INDIA

摘要

Out of the 21 species of Crocodilians presently existing in the warm sub-tropical and tropical region of the world in Indian sub-continent only three species are found (Singh 1999). they are the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), the Saltwater or Estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the Mugger (Crocodylus palustris). Fortunately, all these three species are founmd in Orissa itself. The Gharial is found in the Mahanadi, the Saltwater crocodile is found in Bhitarkanika Sanctuary and the Mugger is found in river systems of Similipal Tiger Reserve.