Forest department to set up croc research unit

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat forest department has decided not only to recognize the non-government organizations (NGOs) working in the field of rescue and research of crocodiles, but will also set up a separate unit for the primeval reptiles which will carry out research and studies related the species. At a meeting in Sasan on World Reptile Day, Friday, the department decided that microchips will be inserted in all crocodiles rescued or found to have attacked humans.This is the practice adopted by the forest department for the Asiatic lion as well. The microchip will also allow the department to know if a particular animal has been rescued for the second time.
Chief conservator of forests A P Singh said it was decided at the meeting that apart from the special unit for crocodiles, a special course on wildlife studies needs to be planned. “We have observed that veterinarians re cruited need further training. They are only trained to handle domesticated animals,“ he said.
Singh further said that the department has decided to map areas with large crocodile populations and also carry out regular population estimations of crocodiles in the state. He said in 1955, the re were 1,500-odd crocodile in the state and there some 2,000 crocodile in the state now.Singh said there are 600-odd crocodiles in Junagadh district, the maximum, followed by 300-odd in Kutch, 200-odd in Charotar and an equal number in Vadodara.
He further said that it was decided to prepare a state action plan for the conservation and population control of crocodiles in the state. The action plan will also have guidelines about where to release rescued crocodiles.
It was also decided to have a study on diseases in crocodiles. “So far there is no such information available,“ said Singh.