Recently, an investigation has revealed that a banned pesticide named Aldrin was responsible for the deaths of mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in the Chandraloi river of Rajasthan’s Kota district.
About Mugger Crocodile:
It is a medium-sized crocodile and a member of the genus Crocodylus.
Appearance: It has the broadest snout among living crocodiles. It has a powerful tail and webbed feet. Its visual, hearing, and smelling senses are acute.
Habitat: It is found in a number of freshwater habitat types including rivers, lakes and marshes.
Distribution: It occurs in the Indian subcontinent as well as surrounding countries: Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal.
It is a hole-nesting species, with egg-laying taking place during the annual dry season.
Diet: Muggers are primarily carnivorous, eating mostly fish, frogs, crustaceans, insects etc.
Threats: The main threats to this animal come from the destruction of its habitat and illegal hunting for its skin and for the alternative medicine market.
Conservation Status:
IUCN: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:Schedule I
What is Aldrin?
It is a pesticide from the organochlorine group.
It has been included in the list of banned pesticides by the Government of India because it persists in the environment for a long time and pollutes soil and water.
It gradually accumulates in the food chain and can have serious adverse effects on the nervous system of humans and wildlife.
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