Mugger Crocodile
The Mugger Crocodile: A Resilient Survivor of Kerala's Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), often confused in folklore with the mythical Makara, is a fascinating yet misunderstood inhabitant of India's waterways. Contrary to popular belief, the Makara or Makyirum in Sanskrit texts is not a crocodile but a composite mythical creature, often depicted with features like a crocodile's body, an elephant's trunk, or even a fish-like tail, symbolizing fertility and protection in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The Mugger, however, is very real—a medium-sized crocodilian native to the Indian subcontinent, distinct from the larger, more aggressive saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) that once roamed Kerala's rivers.
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Makara, the mythical animal from a Grok prompt, with goat head and the tail of a fish |
Historical Context: Crocodiles in Kerala
Kerala's rivers, including the Neyyar, were historically home to both Mugger and saltwater crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles, known for their massive size (up to 6-7 meters) and adaptability to brackish waters, were once prevalent in coastal regions and estuaries. However, extensive hunting for their skins, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict led to their local extinction in Kerala by the mid-20th century. The Mugger crocodile, smaller in size (males typically reach 3-4 meters), has also faced significant population declines due to poaching, habitat loss, and human encroachment. Unlike their saltwater cousins, Muggers prefer freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, and marshes, making them well-suited to Kerala's inland waterways.
In recent decades, conservation efforts have focused on reintroducing and protecting Mugger crocodiles in regions like the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. However, their presence evokes mixed emotions among local communities, who associate crocodiles with the fearsome saltwater "monsters" of the past. Despite their smaller size, Muggers have a robust, menacing appearance with broad snouts and powerful jaws, which can intimidate those unfamiliar with their behavior.
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| Mugger crocodile at Neyyar Crocodile farm |
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: A Haven for the Mugger
Located in the southern tip of Kerala, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary spans 128 square kilometers in the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. Established as a sanctuary in 1958, with dedicated wildlife conservation efforts ramping up in 1985, Neyyar is a biodiversity hotspot. The sanctuary encompasses dense forests, diverse fauna (including elephants, tigers, and sloth bears), and the Neyyar River, which feeds a large reservoir created by the Neyyar Dam, a hydroelectric project commissioned in 1973.
The name "Neyyar" is derived from the Malayalam word ney (ghee, or clarified butter), evoking the idea of a land of abundance, akin to the biblical "milk and honey." The reservoir and its surrounding wetlands provide an ideal habitat for Mugger crocodiles, which thrive in slow-moving waters with ample fish, amphibians, and small mammals for prey. Historically, Muggers flourished in this region, but habitat fragmentation, poaching, and pollution reduced their numbers, leading to their classification as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Conservation programs, including captive breeding and reintroduction, have helped stabilize Mugger populations in Neyyar and other parts of India, such as the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust's initiatives. The Neyyar reservoir now supports a small but viable population of Muggers, which are monitored by the Kerala Forest Department. These crocodiles play a vital ecological role, controlling fish populations and maintaining wetland ecosystems.
However, human-crocodile conflict remains a challenge. Local communities, particularly fishermen and farmers near the reservoir, fear Muggers due to rare but highly publicized attacks on livestock or, in extreme cases, humans. These incidents, combined with the lingering cultural memory of saltwater crocodiles, fuel apprehension. Education and awareness campaigns are critical to fostering coexistence, emphasizing that Muggers are generally less aggressive than saltwater crocodiles and tend to avoid humans unless provoked or habituated to human presence.
The Mugger's Place in Kerala's Ecosystem
Mugger crocodiles are a testament to Kerala's ecological resilience. Their broad snouts, armored bodies, and stealthy movements make them apex predators in their freshwater habitats. While they lack the mythical grandeur of the Makara, their survival in the face of habitat loss and human pressures is a story of adaptation and hope. Visiting the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a glimpse into their world—basking on riverbanks or gliding silently through the reservoir's waters.
For photographers, capturing a Mugger in its natural habitat is a thrilling challenge. Early mornings or late afternoons, when crocodiles are most active, provide the best lighting and opportunities for dramatic shots. Respecting their space and adhering to sanctuary guidelines ensures both safety and ethical wildlife photography.
Through continued conservation and community engagement, the Mugger crocodile can remain a vital part of Kerala's natural heritage, bridging the gap between myth and reality in the lush landscapes of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Neyyar crocodile farm is a State government project to protect the species traditionally crocodiles are feared by the local population, but the number of casualties caused by crocodiles are significantly low compared to those caused by snakes or even mosquitoes. The size of the animals is small being less than 4 ft in length most of the time.
Giant individuals are anecdotal but it is super rare to find any large crocodile in South India. This might be mainly because most of the habitats have been destroyed by human settlement
The Neyyar Lion Safari was a memorable visit. It was probably the only chance to see lions in South India in their natural habitat. Gir Lions or Indian Lions are an endangered species and the specimens in this park are old aged and injured lions. The infrastructure of the park and how it is maintained is scary but the Lions themselves seemed so docile.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neyyar_Wildlife_Sanctuary
https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/neyyar-reservoir-thiruvananthapuram/240
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