Pariej: Mugger crocodile and several turtles, both Schedule I animals, burnt to death in Kheda lake

Pariej: Mugger crocodile and several turtles, both Schedule I animals, burnt to death in Kheda lake

Sub: Environment

Sec: Species in news

Incident at Pariej Lake in Gujarat:

• Recently, a fire broke out at Pariej Lake in Kheda district, Gujarat, where desilting and dredging work was underway.
• Due to the fire, a 5-foot-long mugger crocodile and several turtles, all protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, died.

Details:

• Kheda lies in the Charotar region of Gujarat, located between the Sabarmati and Mahi rivers.
• Pariej, at 8 sq. km, was the largest waterbody in Kheda.
• The lake is a significant wetland attracting numerous birds and is also home to mugger crocodiles and turtles.
• The fire was exacerbated by the dry conditions caused by the draining of the reservoir since February.
• Rescuers discovered mugger crocodile burrows during their rescue efforts, managing to save five crocodiles but losing one juvenile to smoke or heat.
• The incident raised concerns about the lack of precautions taken during the project, with experts criticizing the state’s Irrigation Department for not consulting wildlife authorities before initiating work in the sensitive habitat.

Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)

IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable

• Muggers have a broader distribution, ranging from parts of Iran to the Indian subcontinent.
• Muggers are found in various freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and marshes. They are distributed across different states in India, such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and others.
• Muggers are smaller compared to saltwater crocs, with adult lengths typically ranging from 3 to 4 meters (9.8 to 13.1 feet).
• Muggers are well-adapted to freshwater environments and are known to be more tolerant of different water conditions than saltwater crocs.
• Medium-sized crocodiles (max. length of 4-5m) with the broadest snout of any living Crocodylus species, Mugger Crocodiles are hole-nesting species, with egg-laying taking place during the dry season.

Source: DTE