Restocking mugger crocodile Crocodylus palustris (Lesson) in Andhra Pradesh: evaluation of a pilot release

Published source details Choudhury B.C. & Bustard R. (1982) Restocking mugger crocodile Crocodylus palustris (Lesson) in Andhra Pradesh: evaluation of a pilot release. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 79, 275-289.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Rehabilitate and release injured or accidentally caught individuals: Crocodilians Action Link

Rehabilitate and release injured or accidentally caught individuals: Crocodilians

A study in 1977–1981 in a river with a series of pools in Andhra Pradesh, India (Choudhury & Bustard 1982) found that accidentally captured mugger crocodiles Crocodylus palustris that were raised in captivity before being released survived for at least 1-4 years following release. At least seven of eight released crocodiles survived for at least 1–4 years after release. All crocodiles were re-sighted at the release site, or within 100–3,000 m away. Authors reported that the first breeding took place four years after the first release. In 1977–1980, eight mugger crocodiles (5 females and 3 males) were released following rearing in captivity. Crocodiles were between 1.1–1.9 m in length at the time of release. Prior to the release, grazing of cattle and goats along the river bank, fishing and use of the area for swimming and bathing were banned. After release, crocodiles were monitored by both research staff and by staff who were there to protect the release site.

(Summarised by: William Morgan)