SPECIES PROFILE

Name: the mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a medium-sized crocodile also known as the marsh crocodile.

Appearance: they are typical crocodiles in appearance, although have the broadest snout of all crocodiles.

Size: adults usually measure up to 3.5 metres long with the largest growing up to 5 metres and weighing over 200 kg.

Diet: they feed on fish, snakes, turtles, birds, and mammals including monkeys, squirrels, rodents, otters, and dogs.

Did you know: mugger crocodiles have been documented using lures to hunt birds. This means they are among the only reptiles recorded to use tools. By balancing sticks and branches on their heads, they lure birds that are looking for nesting material. This strategy is particularly effective during the nesting season.

Location: they can be found across southern Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka. They live in freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes, preferring slow-moving, shallow water bodies.

Where TO SEE mugger crocodiles

According to reports submitted to WildSide, you can see mugger crocodiles in the following places:

Photo credit: sarangib under a Creative Commons licence from Pixabay