Stick 'Em Up for the Mugger Crocodile
The mugger crocodile, also known as the marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a species of crocodile native to south Asia, including Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India south of the Himalayan mountain range. They can be found in most freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and wetlands; on occasion they may also be sighted in brackish wetlands and estuaries.
Mugger crocodiles average 2 to 3.5 m (6 ft 7 in to 11 ft 6 in) in length and weigh on average 450 kg (990 pounds), with males typically being larger than females. Despite being only medium sized among crocodilians, C. palustris boasts the broadest snout of any crocodile species. Like most crocodiles, they are covered in thick scales which can range from brown to grey to green in color, sometimes with a spotted pattern, which allows them to blend in to the muddy waters in which they hunt.
Like most other crocodiles, marsh crocodiles are ambush predators, lying in wait for prey. However, mugger crocodiles are unique in that they are one of the first recorded reptiles to use tools; in particular, they have been documented using sticks to lure birds into striking distance. They have a wide and varied diet, which can include fish, snakes, turtles, birds, monkeys, otters, and smaller crocodiles; they may also feed opportunistically on carrion. Adults are rarely predated upon, but juveniles and eggs often fall prey to snakes, birds, rodents, and larger crocodiles.
When not hunting, mugger crocodiles spend most of their basking on the shore, as all reptiles do. They will also dug burrows in the mud to hide in when temperatures drop below 5 C (41 F) or exceed 38 C (100 F). Both males and females are territorial, though they may make overland journeys to seek out mates or if their local water body becomes unsuitable.
The mating season begins in November and continues throughout the dry season. Male C. palustris compete for females by slapping their heads against the water and humming. After breeding, the female deposits a clutch of 8-46 eggs in a shallow-dug hole on the bank, and both she and the siring male will protect the nest for the next two months. The ratio of male to female offspring is dependent on the average incubation temperature; cooler temperatures produce more females. After hatching, both parents continue to protect their young, often by carrying them in their mouths, until they reach independence at about 1 year of age. Females reach sexual maturity at 8-10 years old, while males reach maturity at 12-15 years. Adults may live to be well over 30 years old in the wild.
Conservation status: The IUCN has declared the mugger crocodile as Vulnerable. Their primary threat is habitat destruction and conflict with humans. They are also hunted for their skin and meat.
Photos
David Raju
Paul G. Schrijvershof
Yve Morrell