At the crack of dawn in the Cauvery delta, the river stirs. Mist rises in wisps from the water’s surface. Fishermen cast their nets with practiced ease. And somewhere, half-submerged in the quiet, unblinking eyes rise above the current — the mugger crocodiles are watching.
These ancient reptiles, survivors from a world before humans, are now at the centre of a modern dilemma: how do we share space with them without conflict?
Thanks to recent efforts by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, we might finally be inching toward that answer.
The Return of a River Ghost
The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), India’s most widespread crocodilian, has long inhabited the country’s rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands. But despite their ubiquity, surprisingly little was known about their population status in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta — until now.
A preliminary study conducted by the Wildlife Portal of India, in collaboration with the Forest Department, has mapped over 50 individuals in Anaikarai alone, along the Kollidam River. The total count across surveyed regions is already at 85 live sightings, and researchers believe that number is likely an underestimation.
This isn’t just a census. It’s the first step in understanding how to coexist safely with one of India’s most misunderstood predators.
From Shadows to Statistics: Why This Study Matters
Before this initiative, there was no baseline data on mugger populations in the delta. No population trends. No understanding of critical habitats. In conservation terms, they were shadows slipping through the shallows.
The ongoing survey spans over 1,000 km of river systems, including the Thenpannaiyar and Veeranam water bodies. It’s helping chart not just where crocodiles live, but where they intersect with humans — especially in conflict-prone areas.
Perhaps the most sobering insight? Many of the most vital habitats don’t fall under protected Reserve Forests, but lie in areas administered by the Public Works Department — regions with frequent human activity, from fishing to open defecation. These areas often double as basking or nesting zones for crocs, leading to dangerous overlaps in daily routines.
The Cost of Coexistence
When humans and crocodiles cross paths, tragedy can strike — for both species. The study’s focus isn’t just on counting crocodiles, but on preventing conflict.
To this end, the Forest Department recommends establishing Emergency Response Teams in high-risk districts such as Cuddalore. These specialized units would be trained to handle crocodile-related emergencies — from rescuing animals in distress to managing panic in local communities.
Other suggestions include:
- Restricting public access to known basking and nesting sites.
- Building infrastructure to minimize accidental encounters — such as raised pathways or designated fishing zones.
- Community outreach and education, promoting behavioral change through culturally sensitive campaigns.
Because real conservation isn’t just about animals. It’s about people, too.
Breeding Grounds and the Bigger Picture
Tamil Nadu already hosts breeding centers in Sathanur (299 individuals), Hogenakkal (93), and Amaravathi (82). These centres provide both protection and research opportunities, acting as genetic banks for the species.
But it’s the wild populations — like those in the Kollidam stretch — that truly represent the health of the ecosystem.
Wild crocodiles don’t just survive; they stabilize ecosystems. As apex predators, they regulate fish populations, maintain wetland health, and even help clean water bodies by consuming carrion.
Protecting them is not just about species survival. It’s about ecological balance.
Investing in a Future With Crocodiles
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Tamil Nadu government has greenlit ₹2.5 crore for a Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai. While bureaucratic hurdles initially delayed the project — including land acquisition issues — an alternate site has now been selected.
So far:
- ₹1 lakh has gone into awareness programs.
- ₹5 lakh into equipment and tools.
- ₹6.5 lakh into research — including mapping breeding sites and designing conflict mitigation frameworks.
This is a major milestone. Not just for crocodiles, but for science-driven policy, and for the possibility of harmonious human-wildlife coexistence.
The Ancient Reptile and the Modern Choice
There’s something humbling about staring into the eyes of a mugger crocodile — an animal that has survived ice ages, tectonic shifts, and the rise and fall of empires. And yet, its greatest challenge might be us.
This study marks a turning point. With data, planning, and cooperation, Tamil Nadu is choosing a path that honors both its people and its wild heritage.
Because the rivers belong to everyone. And the more we understand the creatures who call them home, the more wisely we can share the flow.