Scheme for crocodile sanctuaries, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• Dr. H.R. Bustard, an expert from FAO (UNDP), was deputed by the Government of India to advise the Andhra Pradesh Government on crocodile conservation.
• Three species of crocodiles—Gharial, Maggar (Freshwater Crocodile), and Estuarine Crocodile (Salt-water Crocodile)—were identified as facing extinction.
• Dr. Bustard recommended declaring the Coringa mangrove forest and the Godavari river area between Papi Hills and Peramtapalli as sanctuaries.
• A scheme for the preservation and farming of crocodiles in these areas was proposed for submission to the government.

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Detailed Insights:

• The initiative by Dr. H.R. Bustard in the 1970s was a precursor to India's comprehensive crocodile conservation efforts.
• The recommendations directly contributed to the launch of Project Crocodile in 1975, a joint initiative with UNDP and FAO.
• Project Crocodile aimed at captive breeding and rehabilitation of the three endangered crocodile species across India.
• The Coringa mangrove forest is now part of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its significant population of Estuarine Crocodiles.
• The Papi Hills region is now encompassed within Papikonda National Park, which also supports crocodile populations in the Godavari river.
• The primary threats identified were large-scale killing for meat and consumption of crocodile eggs, leading to population decline.
• Conservation through sanctuary declaration and farming (captive breeding) was proposed as a vital strategy for species recovery.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gharial: A critically endangered species of crocodile, characterized by its long, slender snout.
• Maggar (Freshwater Crocodile): A vulnerable species of crocodile found in freshwater habitats across India.
• Estuarine Crocodile (Salt-water Crocodile): The largest living reptile, found in coastal and brackish waters, listed as Least Concern globally but locally threatened.
• Sanctuary: A protected area designated for the conservation of wildlife, where hunting and other human activities are restricted.
• Project Crocodile: A major wildlife conservation initiative launched in India in 1975 to protect and breed endangered crocodile species.