Saltwater crocodile resources

Abstract

Crocodiles were reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as early as 1870 (Stoliczka, 1870). Later, Smith (1939) and Mathur (1969) recorded their occurrence from various islands. However, detailed study on the species including its habitat, population, nesting habits and conservation received attention only very recently (Whitaker and Daniel, 1978 ; Whitaker and Whitaker, 1978 ; Bustard and Choudhury, 1981). The saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, had a wide range of distribution from south-west coast of India eastwards to South China, extending southwards through Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to New Guinea and Northern Australia (Bustard and Choudhury, 1981). It is found along the coast of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Andaman and Nico bar Islands. In the mainland of India, the species is now restricted to an area of 176 sq. km, Bhitar Kanika sanctuary in Orissa and in Sunderbans (FAO, 1974). In North Andaman, C. porosus has been reported from the offshore islands such as North Reef and Landfall Island. They are foimd in Kalara creek (Fig. 1),