Chandraloi River and Mugger Crocodile

About Chandraloi River

• The Chandraloi River is a small perennial river flowing through Kota district of Rajasthan.
• Origin: The river originates from a stream near Alania village in Kota district.
• Course: The river flows for about 15 kilometres through urban and rural areas, carries urban runoff and industrial waste, and finally merges with the Chambal River.
• Ecological Significance: The river supports a significant population of Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris), serves as their breeding ground, and also supports diverse fish species.

About Mugger Crocodile

• The mugger crocodile is a medium-sized crocodile and a member of the genus Crocodylus.
• Distribution: It occurs across the Indian subcontinent and surrounding countries, including Sri Lanka, Iran, Pakistan, and Nepal.
• Habitat: It lives in freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and marshes.
• Key Features :
  • Appearance: It has the broadest snout among living crocodiles.
    • It also has a powerful tail, webbed feet, and acute visual, hearing, and smelling senses.
  • Breeding: It is a hole-nesting species, and egg-laying takes place during the annual dry season.
  • Diet: It mainly eats fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects.
• Threat : It faces habitat destruction and illegal hunting for its skin and the alternative medicine market.
• Status: It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, included in CITES Appendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal protection.