Croc population in Pariyat river facing threat

By Ashish Rajput :

Sheer negligence of the Forest Department towards protection of endangered animals is posing a threat to the rare crocodile habitat at Pariyat river. Population of crocodiles is multiplying into the river and roaming of juvenile crocodiles can be a reason for wildlife crime. Increasing water level of the river has led to wandering of crocodiles from their habitats and threat of their existence in populated areas has increased. There have been several incidents reported every year of juvenile crocodiles wandering into adjoining villages while adult crocodiles have found new places in ponds and other water bodies.

The situation had led to man and animal conflict and poaching of endangered species. Villages including Matamar, Sonpur, Ghana, Bijner, Bijapuri and Rithori are claimed to be rare habitats of crocodiles in river Pariyat in the central India. Instead of developing the site as crocodiles sighting spot for attracting visitors, competent authorities have even failed in ensuring conservation of these reptiles.

Wildlife activist, Shankarendu Nath Mukherjee informed that he rescued around one dozen juvenile crocodiles in a month and several are being regularly captured in nets of local fishermen. There is probability of poaching of these juvenile reptiles due to absence of any monitoring on the part of competent authorities which are responsible for wildlife protection. Some villagers had captured some juvenile crocodiles and taken them home in village Bijner but they were later rescued and released in the river, he added.