M Zaheer Khan, Tahira Abdul Latif, Syed Ali Ghalib, Iqbal Saeed Khan, Babar Hussain, Afsheen Zehra, Saima Siddiqui, Roohi Kanwal, Tanveer Jabeen and Fozia Tabbassum
Keywords: Marsh crocodile, onsite breeding, population status, sheedi community
Abstract: A study on breeding and population status of Marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in Manghopir Shrine Area was undertaken during the years 2010-2013. There is a 61 meters wide and 122 meters long water pond adjacent to the shrine. This pond is home to 144 Marsh crocodiles among them, there are 98 adults, 28 subadults, 15 juveniles and 3 hatchlings. In this area, the Sheedi Community (native peoples of the area) is providing shelter to the species. The pond and its adjacent area is small for such a large population. They cannot perform their communal activities such as basking, breeding as the habitable area of the Crocodiles is overpopulated. Though there is a large number of sexually mature Crocodiles, a few nest, but due to intraspecific competition, animals cannot breed. Only five successful nesting events were observed during the study period. Additionally, there are no adequate husbandry measures taken for the protection of eggs and hatchlings. According to the Community, these Marsh crocodiles are gifts from their Saint, Sheikh Sakhi Sultan. Shortage of food and lack of requisite territory for biological activities are major threats to the Marsh crocodiles in the Manghopir Shrine Area.
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