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Revamping and Conservation of Marsh Crocodile (crocodylus Palustris L) - a Critical Ecological Significance and Revolutionary Aspect of Bangladesh

M.M. Rahman
Ex-Director
Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The marsh crocodile is one of the extinct species in natural habitat once found abundant in most of the fresh water rivers of Bangladesh. Considering the regional and global importance of the species Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI) emphasized the importance of conservation aspect of this species and recommended to collect the marsh crocodiles from India for captive breeding and subsequent release in the natural habitats.With a view to study the breeding behavior, forty adult marsh crocodiles (32 female and 8 male) were collected from Madras Crocodile Bank, India for Bangabandhu Safari Park (BSP), Dulahazra, Cox’s Bazar in 2005 by Forest Department in association with BFRI through IUCN. However, the breeding habitat of BSP for crocodiles as observed in subsequent years was found unproductive. Further distribution of this species was made to Dhaka and Chittagong Zoo as well as in the pond at the shrine of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali, Bagherhat in order to find out suitable habitat for its captive breeding. Since then, the performance of breeding was closely observed by BFRI and found 80 newly born crocodiles result in the total stock up to 120 in Bangladesh. Hatching rate of the species has been recorded more than 80% in the ecological conditions of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Bangabodhu Safari Park, Captive breeding, Crocodile

Location: Zoos and Safari Park

Start Date: 01-07-2007

End Date: 30-06-2008

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Crocodile

Objectives:

To asses the present status of wildlife resources and to evaluate the performance of a PA considering habitat for sustainable wildlife conservation.

Methodology:

Data of spontaneous mating, nesting, breeding and survival rate were collected through observation, questioning the staffs who look after the captive marsh crocodile on the above study areas. Special observation was done in late November and December in mating period, March to April in nesting period and late June and in hatchling period from 2005-2010.Previos record, literature and relevant information both published and unpublished were reviewed and assessed

Source of Information: Congress Proceedings. The First Bangladesh Forestry Congress 2011.Dhaka,Bangladesh.pp:226-228

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The study revealed that captive breeding and rearing program of marsh crocodile in Bangladesh have met with success since stocking in 2005 including the four stock places aimed at captive breeding. It is observed that the marsh crocodiles released at the Bangabondhu Safari Park has been making nest and laying eggs from 2006-2010. But hatched no baby crocodile, so far as the stock is also unproductive. At Chittagong Zoo, it bred spontaneously twice in 2009 and 2010. The hatching rate was 80%. In Dhaka Zoo, it bred spontaneously in 2008. The hatching rate was 100%. At the pond of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali they made nest from 2007-2010. But hatched no baby crocodile, so far as the stock is also unproductive.It is observed that the marsh crocodile captive breeding success has been achieved between 2005-2010.This will lead to increase of marsh crocodile population. This is a significance development in the naturally extinct species conservation approaches. Excess numbers of captive-bred marsh crocodile at high stock density now reside in captivity, due to lack of sustainable release initiatives in the natural habitat. Hence, it is high time to take necessary steps for subsequent release of marsh crocodile in the selected natural habitats.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings