Crocodilians
29 Results
Gharials of Chambal: Snapshots from the River’s Edge
During the pandemic, wildlife photographer Shivang Mehta travelled along the Chambal River to follow the elusive life of gharials — watching them nest, their eggs crack open to new life, and a chilling raid on the young that remains etched in his memory.
Step into Shivang’s shoes as he follows the ancient crocodilians through the heart of the National Chambal Sanctuary.
Video
Gharial: Champion for the Chambal
Once widespread over North India’s large rivers, the gharial is now a critically endangered animal. This fish-eating crocodilian is the flagship species of the National Chambal Sanctuary
Species
Here, There, Everywhere: The Muggers of Chambal
Although established to protect the critically endangered gharial, another reptile, the marsh crocodile, is now overrunning the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
Species
Local Rituals Pay Tribute to Muggers Despite Present-day Trials
The annual Maange Thapnee ritual in Ponda, Goa, is an agrarian tradition symbolising the relationship between people and muggers, highlighting the cultural significance of coexistence
Wild Vault
When a Gharial Travelled from India to Pakistan
Cartoons and illustrations on wildlife, environment and conservation
Green Humour
Identifying Mugger Crocodiles Using Drones
Researchers in Gujarat believe the model could be useful in rescue and relocation efforts to minimise human-crocodile conflicts and in analysing mugger biology.
Conservation
Saltwater Crocodile: A Fine Piece of Natural Engineering
Along some of India's mangrove-lined coasts, including Odisha's Bhitarkanika, the world's largest reptile lurks. With teeth that rip, jaws that crush and a body built for stamina, the saltwater crocodile is a sharp hunter. Here's a closer look at its natural arsenal.
Video
Gharial: Facts, Habitat, Threats
All you need to know about one of the largest crocodile species
Infographic
Crocodilians of India: Size, Lifespan, Habitat
India is home to three species of crocodiles — saltwater crocodile, marsh crocodile and the gharial. Meet them here
Infographic
Back from the Brink: Saltwater Crocodiles in Bhitarkanika
In the 1970s, the saltwater crocodiles of Bhitarkanika were on the edge of extinction, until a focused conservation effort revived their population in the mangroves
Species
Strategy and Stealth: The Everyday Life of a Marsh Crocodile
Along the banks of the Ken River, a cold-blooded predator quietly waits. The marsh crocodile lays motionless for hours, but once it sets its eyes on prey, it strikes within seconds
Video
Gharials Lose Nesting Sites at Katerniaghat
Growth of vegetation along the banks of the Girwa River has adversely affected the nesting of gharials
Conservation
No Faking It: This Crocodile’s Tears are Tears of Grief
Cartoons and illustrations on wildlife, environment and conservation
Green Humour
Mettle of the Mugger: How the Marsh Crocodile Balances Stealth, Strategy and Surprise
Hunting is not all brawn. It is a fine balance of patience, intelligence and strategy
Photo Story
Gharials Make a Comeback in Punjab
Forty five gharials brought from a captive breeding centre in Madhya Pradesh have been rehabilitated into the Beas river
News
Gaping Gharials: River Reptile with the Super Snout
Though critically endangered, there is hope for this gentle, slender-jawed, fish-loving cousin of the crocodile
Photo Story
The Guide: Ken Gharial Sanctuary
Come for the gharials, but stay for the vultures, the spectacular waterfalls, colourful rocks, and dramatic canyon
Travel
Mugger: River Monster or Peaceful Giant?
Seen as dangerous predators and banished from most of their original habitats, marsh crocodiles suffer a perilous existence in India today
Species
Marsh Crocodile: Facts, Size, Lifespan
Learn all you need to know about the mugger, an opportunistic feeder and apex predator
Infographic
Romulus Whitaker: A Life Less Ordinary
He’s hugged crocodiles, rescued snakes, and even snuck two king cobras on a long-distance train. Watch Roundglass Sustain Editor-in-Chief Megha Moorthy interview the Snake Man of India
Video
Fear and Fascination on the Trail of the Mugger
Marsh crocodiles are stealthy creatures and apex predators of their environment, that can elicit both admiration and a panic response
Species
Saltwater Crocodile: Dragons of the Sundarbans Swamps
Basking in the sun, the saltwater crocodile is a study in stillness but once it enters the brackish waters of the Sundarbans, it is the top aquatic predator
Species
Croc Creche: Why Crocodilian Males Make Great Babysitters
Breaking gender stereotypes, tough bull crocs often pitch in to take care of hatchlings. Scientists believe they could be showing off their potential as future mating partners
Column
Saltwater Crocodile: Facts, Size, Bite Force, Habitat
All you need to know about the world's largest living reptile
Infographic
Why is That Floating Log Looking at Us?
Cartoons and illustrations on wildlife, environment, and conservation
Green Humour
Croc Talk: Of Salt, Scales, and Swamps
The estuarine or saltwater crocodile is a mighty beast with a long lifespan and formidable reputation
Species
Gharials of Gandak: A Population Back from the Brink Faces Development Pressures
The population of gharials, a species endemic to the Indian subcontinent, has gone up in the recent years in the Gandak river in Bihar. However, the thriving gharials are facing threats from barrage and fishing nets
News
Canny Crocodiles: Our Planet’s Oldest Living Creatures
It’s no surprise that crocs have been around for millions of years. These intelligent creatures continue to be the apex predator in nearly every landscape they inhabit
Wild Vault
Buzz and Snap: A Gharial in the Bend of the River
This fish-eating crocodile, with a pot on its long snout, struggles for survival in the rivers of the Indian subcontinent
Species