Mugger crocodile spotted at Mumbai's Powai Lake, highlighting urban wildlife coexistence

Large mugger crocodile basking along the edge of Powai Lake in Mumbai. Pic/ Kiyan Mugaseth

An early morning outing turned into a memorable wildlife encounter for two nature enthusiasts after they spotted a large mugger crocodile basking along the edge of Powai Lake in Mumbai.

The duo were travelling past the lake in an auto-rickshaw when they noticed the reptile resting on a platform near the water. They immediately got down and observed the crocodile from a safe distance, watching as it remained calm despite the movement of boats and people nearby.

The mugger crocodile appeared unfazed by the activity around it and continued basking peacefully, giving the wildlife enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness one of Mumbai's largest reptiles in its natural urban habitat.

Rare urban wildlife sighting

Mugger crocodiles are among India's largest freshwater reptiles and serve as apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of lakes and wetlands. Despite rapid urbanisation, habitat loss and pollution, the species continues to survive in several water bodies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Wildlife experts note that crocodiles are often misunderstood and are generally not aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened. They say such sightings highlight the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance rather than disturbing the animals.

'A dream come true'

Wildlife photographer Karan Solanki, who witnessed the crocodile, described the experience as unforgettable.

"I've been to my native place in Gujarat to photograph crocodiles, but seeing one in Mumbai was a dream come true. These giants have lived in our lakes for generations. We can learn so much from them about coexistence," he said.

Another wildlife enthusiast, Kiyan Mugaseth, said the sighting reinforced the importance of peaceful coexistence between people and urban wildlife.

"I've seen a lot of wildlife during nature trails across the city, but spotting a crocodile is always special. Sharing space with such a large apex predator is a testament to coexistence. Crocodiles are often misunderstood, and there's so much we can learn from their behaviour," he said.

Wildlife enthusiasts said the sighting is a reminder that Mumbai's biodiversity extends far beyond its forests and national parks, with several species continuing to thrive alongside the city's growing urban landscape.