31 May,2026 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Forest officials are hoping to find the crocodile soon, so that it can be rescued and relocated safely. PIC/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Following a mid-day article about the sighting of Indian Marsh crocodile in Chhota Kashmir lake in Aarey published on May 24, the Thane forest department is preparing a strategy to rescue the crocodile safely.
A Forest Department official from Thane Forest Department Territorial said, "We have received information regarding the sighting of an Indian Marsh Crocodile in the lake near Chhota Kashmir. Our team visited the location to verify the report, but no crocodile was detected during the search. To ensure the safety of both the animal and the public, we are formulating an appropriate strategy and will continue monitoring the area."
Recently, several residents of Aarey Milk Colony also reported spotting a crocodile in the lake. The reptile is said to be around three to four feet long and has been sighted frequently. The Indian Marsh Crocodile, also known as the Mugger Crocodile, is found across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and parts of Iran.
It thrives in freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes, and can also adapt to man-made reservoirs. Unlike the saltwater crocodile, the mugger avoids saline habitats.
The reptile is native to the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar and some parts of Iran. It is commonly found in freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, hill streams, village ponds and human-made reservoirs.
At one point, mugger crocodiles used to be ubiquitous throughout the subcontinent, but over time, their populations have dwindled due to habitat destruction, hunting, loss of prey base, human encroachment and increasing conflict situations.
The Indian Marsh Crocodile is an important species in maintaining the ecological balance in its habitat, playing a critical role as a top predator. However, with increasing human encroachment, conservation efforts are crucial.
