The mitigation plan includes tracking the movement of these freshwater crocodiles using transmitters
To tackle the escalating conflict between humans and crocodiles in three districts of Maharashtra, the state forest department is rolling out a project that will involve translocation of problem animals along with an eco-tourism project with locals. The mitigation plan includes tracking the movement of these freshwater crocodiles using transmitters.
The forest department estimates that the Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur districts have over 100 mugger crocodiles along the stretch of the Krishna and Warna rivers. Between 2003 to now, around 10 people, including children, have been killed, while 16 have been injured, in attacks by these reptiles in the Sangli district; they added that no mortalities were reported from Kolhapur and Satara.
The conflict is more pronounced in areas like Shirol in Kolhapur, Palus and Miraj in Sangli and Karad in Satara. This, said forest officials, had led to fear among the villagers, which they worry could adopt a disruptive form.
"We are formulating a holistic plan with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Conflict areas will be mapped and nesting sites and the crocodile population will be identified," said V Clement Ben, chief conservator of forests (CCF), Kolhapur (Territorial). He added that cages will be put up on ghats to ensure people can bathe, and perform daily chores without fear.
"We will suggest mitigation measures to avoid conflict... some adult crocodiles may be problematic as mugger crocodiles rank third among crocodile species in terms of conflict," said Gopi GV, scientist, WII.
Problem animals will be captured from their habitat and released into the Chandoli national park in Kolhapur, said Ben. "However, this will be done as a last resort where the animal has become very problematic," he stated.
Gopi added they could not be released upstream due to their strong homing instinct. "They can be kept in relief and rehabilitation facilities or enclosed areas with water bodies," he explained, adding that the movement pattern of these animals could be studied by tracking them with transmitters.
LINK TO ECO-TOURISM
Ben added they were planning to link the conflict management with eco-tourism. “There are sites where the crocodiles bask on the banks. Children and nature lovers will like to see them through binoculars from raised platforms,” he said
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