Noteworthy observations on food and feeding behaviors of mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris Lesson) at Lal Dhori, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

Mugger Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) are apex predators of freshwater aquatic ecosystems throughout South Asia whose natural history and ecology are incompletely known. We present some noteworthy observations on feeding behavior, hunting strategy, and diet of the species based on seven observations during the last four years as part of a long-term monitoring study in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. We found Muggers of this region feeding on the domestic dog (Canis familiaris), Indian rock python (Python molurus), Indian flap-shelled turtle (Lissemys punctata), several species of fishes, as well as cannibalism events. Moreover, we review and discuss some published observations of the species.

Keywords:

Cooperative hunting , crocodilians , dietary habits , ethology , Saurashtra