The mugger crocodile, aka mugger or marsh crocodile, can be found in freshwater habitats from south-eastern Iran to the Indian subcontinent. These crocodiles face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial developments, farming, and ranching; hunting; trapping (in fishing lines and equipment) that causes entanglement & drowning; vehicle strike (being hit be vehicles); and overfishing, which can deplete their food source. The IUCN lists these amazing beasts as Vulnerable. Their population trend is listed as stable, for now.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Crocodylus palustris
Weight: Up to 1,000 lbs.
Length: Up to 18.6 feet
Lifespan: Up to 80 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Their preferred habitats are slow-moving, shallow rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps.
2.) These crocodiles evolved approximately 4.19 million years ago, during the Pliocene Epoch.
3.) There are only an estimated 8,700 wild individuals remaining, to date.
4.) They were first described by the French herpetologist René Primevère Lesson in 1831.
5.) As is the case with all crocodiles, muggers are thermoconformers (ectothermic – controlling their body’s temperature via external sources) and have an optimal body temperature of up to 95°F and risks dying of freezing or hyperthermia when exposed to temperatures below 41°F.
But wait, there’s more on the mugger crocodile!
6.) Burrows are constructed to retreat from extreme temperatures and other harsh climatic conditions. They can measure up to 19+ feet deep and are wide enough to turn around in. The temperature of these burrows stays a consistent 84.2ºF.
7.) Fish, snakes, turtles, birds, monkeys, squirrels, rats, mice, otters, dogs, smaller ungulates, and carrion (dead animals) are all on the menu.
Did you know…?
These crocodiles can have a bite force of up to 1,640 psi.
8.) Hatchlings feed on beetles, crabs, shrimp, and mice.
9.) These particular crocodiles are among the first reptiles recorded to use tools. By balancing sticks and branches on their heads, they lure in birds looking for nesting materials. This strategy is quite effective during the nesting season.
10.) Females lay up to 2 clutches of up to 46 eggs each during the breeding season.
But wait, there’s still more on the mugger crocodile!
11.) Both the male and female protect their young for up to 1 year.
12.) Bengal tigers sometimes fight mugger crocodiles off prey but rarely prey on adult muggers.
Did you know…?
In India, these crocs have been protected since 1972 under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which strictly prohibits catching, killing, and transporting crocodiles without a permit; offenders face imprisonment and a fine.
13.) The Hindi word for crocodile is मगर “magar”.
14.) Crocodiles are acknowledged as the prototype of the makara and symbolize both the fructifying and the destructive powers of the rivers.
15.) Vasava, Gamit, and Chodhri tribes in Gujarat worship the crocodile god Mogra Dev while asking for children, good crops, and strong milk yields from their cows.
Now a Short Mugger Crocodile Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: Robykurian
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