RESEARCH ARTICLE

PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE MUGGER CROCODILE (Crocodylus palustris) INHABITING KAHALLA PALLAKELE SANCTUARY, SRI LANKA.

Abstract

Preliminary observations made of the mugger crocodiles inhabiting in Kahalla Pllakela Sanctuary which is under the Dept of Wildlife Conservation and the immediate surrounding areas showed a minimum population of approximately 24 mugger crocodiles of both cohort classes (juveniles and adults) inhabiting the sanctuary. Day and night eye shine counting technique was conducted in 14 reservoirs and agricultural canals of the area. During draught when the water in some reservoirs dries up the crocodiles migrate over land to tanks with water. Additionally the Black pond terrapin (Melanochelys trijuga thermalis) and soft-shell terrapin (Lissemys ceylonensis), fish, amphibians and birds were present as sympatric species in most tanks. One non fatal human crocodile conflict incident was observed in the study area.

Keywords: Crocodylus palustris (the Mugger), wildlife sanctuary, eye shine, migration, terrapins, man made reservoirs, human crocodile conflict.

How to Cite: Anslem de Silva,,Jayasundara,J.M.A.S,Bandara,D.G.G, (2018). PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE MUGGER CROCODILE (Crocodylus palustris) INHABITING KAHALLA PALLAKELE SANCTUARY, SRI LANKA..WILDLANKA, 6(4):Pages 151-158

Published On:2018-12-31

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