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Vishwamitri River in Vadodara
The Gujarat Forest Department conducted a Mugger crocodile census in the Vishwamitri River in Vadodara following flood-mitigation works. The exercise focused on assessing crocodile populations in the river stretch.
Vishwamitri River & Mugger Crocodile:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| River Location | Non-perennial river located in Vadodara, Gujarat between the Mahi and Narmada rivers |
| Origin | Originates from the Pavagadh hills in Gujarat |
| Course | Flows westward through Vadodara and joins Dhadhar and Jambuva tributaries |
| Drainage | Empties into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat |
| Ecological Feature | Supports Indian crocodiles in an 18 km stretch and is highly meandering in nature |
| Associated Fauna | Mugger crocodile, Indian Softshell turtles, monitor lizards and bird species |
| Scientific Name | Crocodylus palustris |
| Common Name | Also known as marsh crocodile |
| Habitat | Found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes and marshes |
| Distribution | Occurs in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Iran |
| Key Indian Populations | Middle Ganga, Chambal River, Gujarat and Cauvery delta |
| Diet | Consumes fish, crabs, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals |
| Conservation Status | IUCN Red List: Vulnerable; Listed under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |