Species in News: Mugger Crocodiles
Context:
A recent study finds that pollution and conflict with humans lead to increased levels of stress hormones among mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris).
World Crocodile Day is celebrated on June 17th each year to raise awareness about the challenges facing endangered crocodiles and alligators around the world.
More on news:
- Muggers rank third in human-crocodile conflicts after saltwater and Nile crocodiles.
- In India, human-mugger conflict incidents increased fivefold over the last two decades, rising from 57 cases in 2001-2010 to 338 in 2011-2020.
Saurian stress:
- The body, human or non-human, releases stress hormones or glucocorticoids (GCs) in response to challenging conditions, mobilising energy to help the body cope.
- While this is an adaptive mechanism, long-term exposure to GCs can harm an organism, leading to reproductive failure and weakened immune function.
- Stress hormones are crucial indicators of an organism’s stress levels.
- Physiological responses and the overall well-being of free-ranging species have primarily been monitored through glucocorticoid metabolite (GCM) measurements.
- GCMs can be measured from hair, fur, urine, saliva, and feces, with fecal GCM (fGCM) becoming popular due to ease of collection.
Habitat
Northern India:
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- Uttar Pradesh: Chambal River, Ganges River
- Rajasthan: Chambal River, Banas River
- Madhya Pradesh: Chambal River, Narmada River
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Eastern India:
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- West Bengal: Sundarbans (mangrove forests)
- Assam: Brahmaputra River, Barak River
- Orissa: Mahanadi River
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Polygynous Mating Systems
Polygynous mating systems are those in which a single male mates with multiple females. This is a common mating strategy found in many animal species, including mammals (Gorillas, lions, elk, and deer), birds (Peacocks, grouse, and many seabirds), and insects (Bees, ants, and many beetles).
Reasons for Decreasing Crocodile Populations
Habitat Loss and Degradation:
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- Urbanisation and development: The expansion of cities and infrastructure has led to the destruction of crocodile habitats.
- Agricultural practices: Deforestation, dam construction, and pollution from agricultural runoff can degrade crocodile habitats.
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Overhunting and Illegal Trade:
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- Hunting for meat and hides: Crocodiles are hunted for their meat, hides, and other body parts.
- Illegal trade: Crocodile products are traded illegally, often for luxury goods.
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Human-Wildlife Conflict:
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- Attacks on humans: Crocodiles may attack humans, leading to conflicts with local communities.
- Retaliation: In response to attacks, humans may kill crocodiles, further reducing their populations.
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Pollution:
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- Contamination of water sources: Pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and other sources can harm crocodiles and their food sources.
- Habitat degradation: Pollution can degrade crocodile habitats, making them less suitable for survival.
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Climate Change:
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- Habitat loss: Rising sea levels and changes in precipitation patterns can lead to habitat loss for coastal and freshwater crocodiles.
- Food shortages: Climate change can disrupt food webs and reduce the availability of prey for crocodiles.
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The Crocodile Conservation Project, launched in 1976, aimed to protect India’s three rare crocodilian species: the freshwater crocodile, the gharial, and the saltwater crocodile.
