Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2023)
JAD 2023, 5(1): 80-91 |
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Vyas R, Mistry V, Vaghasiya P, Chauhan D. Review on Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) mortality by vehicle collisions in Gujarat State, India. JAD 2023; 5 (1) :80-91
URL: http://jad.lu.ac.ir/article-1-290-en.html
URL: http://jad.lu.ac.ir/article-1-290-en.html
1- Shashwat Apartment, 23 Anandnagar Society, BPC Haveli Road, Alkapuri, Vadodara- 390007, Gujarat, India , razoovyas@hotmail.com
2- Voluntary Nature Conservancy, 101-Radha Darshan, Behind Union Bank, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Gujarat, India
3- Vasundhara Nature Club, Amrutam, 193/Bapunagar, Joshipura, Junagadh-362002, Gujarat, India
4- Khodiyar Krupa, Asha Society, Shivnagar, Joshipura, Junagadh 362002, Gujarat, India
2- Voluntary Nature Conservancy, 101-Radha Darshan, Behind Union Bank, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Gujarat, India
3- Vasundhara Nature Club, Amrutam, 193/Bapunagar, Joshipura, Junagadh-362002, Gujarat, India
4- Khodiyar Krupa, Asha Society, Shivnagar, Joshipura, Junagadh 362002, Gujarat, India
Abstract: (4122 Views)
Railway lines, roadways, canals, and electricity cable networks, pose serious problems to wildlife, fragmenting habitats worldwide. These infrastructures are well-recognized as linear intrusions. Today it is a threat to wildlife, including the Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). The current study documents 15 crocodile-vehicle collisions (CVC) recorded in two years (2021 and 2022); 11 were on roads, and four were on railway tracks. Sex was determined for 11 individuals (five males, six females), and four unknown due to crushing). A total of 13 individuals were found dead at the various sites of collision, and two juvenile individuals were found injured, and one of them was treated successfully and returned to the wild. The high numbers (9) of CVCs occur in the Central Gujarat and follow 3 CVCs in Saurashtra, 2 CVC in the Kutch region, and one in north Gujarat. Mitigation measures would be required for the collision situationsin Gujarat are discussed. The literature survey shows totals of 75 CVCs were recorded within the last 18 years due to the state's road (n= 51, 68%) and railway (n= 24, 32%) networks, with the highest numbers of 56 CVCs observed in the Central Gujarat and lowest 2 CVC noted in north Gujarat, and no CVC was noted in south Gujarat. The high number of subadults and juvenile muggers victimized due to the CVC. The CVC site location in different regions of Gujarat state positively corresponds to crocodile populations. However, the Mugger crocodile (C. palustris) has been nationally protected under Indian Wildlife Act as Schedule I species, the IUCN criteria as ‘Vulnerable’, and the Appendix I of CITES, therefore conservation acts are essential. The CVC incidences were recorded widely in the entire species distribution range, from Iran, India, and Sri Lanka and can be classified as an emerging threat for mugger crocodiles.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Ecological Diversity
Received: 2023/01/25 | Accepted: 2023/03/13 | Published: 2023/03/31
Received: 2023/01/25 | Accepted: 2023/03/13 | Published: 2023/03/31
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