Crocodylus palustris palustris

(Lesson, 1831)

Vernacular names
English : Mugger crocodile
French : Crocodile des marais

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Crocodylidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species can grow to 5 meters in length. Very broad snout (broadest of all crocodile species). Juveniles are yellow with crossbands. Adults are grey to brown with little to no crossbands remaining. Prominent scutes around throat.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from Pakistan to most of India, eastwards to Bangladesh and north-west Myanmar. Species also found in Sri Lanka. Lives in freshwater lakes, swamps and rivers, also man-made watercourses.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species has declined in the past because of illegal hunting and loss of habitat. Some populations are still at risk of extinction.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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