Mugger Crocodiles

SEO Title: Mugger Crocodile: Habitat, Distribution, Features, Conservation Status and Threats

Category: Environment & Ecology | Wildlife | Reptiles

UPSC Notes

The Mugger crocodile or Marsh crocodile is one of the three crocodilian species found in India.

Key Pointers

  • Scientific name: Crocodylus palustris.

  • Common name: Mugger/Marsh crocodile.

  • Found mainly in:

    • Freshwater lakes

    • Rivers

    • Marshes

    • Reservoirs

  • Distribution includes India and parts of neighbouring South Asian countries.

  • Broad, relatively short snout distinguishes it from the Gharial.

  • Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN).

  • Listed in CITES Appendix I.

  • Threats:

    • Habitat loss

    • Wetland degradation

    • Human-crocodile conflict

    • Illegal exploitation

Prelims Focus: Crocodylus palustris → freshwater → Vulnerable → CITES Appendix I.