23 September,2026 04:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Crocodile at Aarey Metro construction complex (Pic/Special arrangement)
A sub-adult Indian marsh crocodile, measuring around 3 feet 7 inches, was rescued from an electricity duct at the Aarey Metro construction complex of the Aqua Line in Aarey Colony, Goregaon East, during the early hours of Wednesday, September 23.
According to a volunteer from the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA), the crocodile was found inside the electricity duct at the construction complex.
Furthermore, a rescue operation was subsequently carried out, and the reptile was safely removed from the spot.
"The crocodile was safely rescued and will be released back into its natural habitat after medical examination," the WWA volunteer said.
The Indian marsh crocodile, also known as the mugger crocodile, is a freshwater species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is found in countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, as well as parts of Iran and Myanmar.
Mugger crocodiles generally inhabit freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and hill streams. They can also adapt to man-made reservoirs. Unlike the saltwater crocodile, the species generally avoids saline habitats.
Once widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, mugger crocodile populations have declined in several areas due to habitat destruction, hunting, depletion of prey, human encroachment, and increasing human-wildlife conflict.
The species plays an important ecological role as a top predator in freshwater ecosystems and contributes to maintaining the balance of its habitat.
Following the rescue, the crocodile will undergo a medical examination before being released into a suitable natural habitat.
