Crocodiles are large reptiles belonging to the family Crocodylidae. A semi-aquatic animal, the crocodile is an ambush hunter found in tropical and subtropical areas. There are two crocodile species in India – the saltwater crocodile and the mugger crocodile.
The gharial is another semi-aquatic reptile found in India. It is, however, not a ‘true crocodile’, although sometimes called a fish-eating crocodile. Gharial belongs to the family Gavialidae.
Two crocodile species in India
1. Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
Saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodiles. They are found in India, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia. In India, saltwater crocodiles are seen in the eastern coastal states facing the Bay of Bengal. These crocodiles can grow over 6 m (19.7 ft) in length. Large individuals weigh over 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs).
Young crocs are light-coloured and have black spots. Adults are much darker in colour. The best places to see the Saltwater crocodile in India are the protected forests of West Bengal and Odisha (Orissa).
2. Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
Mugger crocodiles, also known as marsh crocodiles are found almost throughout India except at higher altitudes. Though not as large as saltwater crocodiles, muggers can still reach a length of 5 m (16.4 ft). Most large specimens weigh between 300 and 450 kg (660 and 990 lbs).
These crocodiles when young are olive coloured with black spots. As they grow they become darker. Adults have dark olive or dark brown colour, sometimes yellowish-grey. Classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), muggers are also found in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, and Bangladesh.
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
As mentioned earlier, Gharial is not a crocodile species. It is classified under the family Gavialidae. The gharial is easily distinguished by its long, narrow snout. Full-grown adult males are 3-6 m (9.8-19.7 ft) long and generally weigh 150-250 kg (330-550 lbs).
Classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Gharial is in dire need of conservation. Some of the best places to see Gharials in India are National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary and Katarniya Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary.
Are there alligators in India?
No, alligators are not found in India. Alligators are only found in the USA and China.
(Also read: Differences between Crocodiles and Alligators | Crocodile vs Alligator)
Points to remember
- Species in the order Crocodilia are known as Crocodilians – Alligators, Crocodiles, Gharials, and Caimans.
- Europe and Antarctica are two continents with no crocodilian species.
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