Survey finds 52 crocs in Pench reserve, up from 22

Nagpur: A total of 52 crocodiles were spotted in Pench river in the Maharashtra side of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), indicating the presence of a healthy ecosystem.The number of reptile species found has gone up by 22 since the first survey, conducted in June last year. “The first crocodile and turtle survey from June 2 to 4, 2023, had recorded 30 individual crocodiles only due to high water levels after release of Totladoh dam water. The sighting of 22 more reptiles now indicates distribution of species,” said Pench deputy director Prabhu Nath Shukla.The fresh citizens’ survey was conducted in a 200km river stretch with the help of fishermen's boats from January 29-31. This time, 21 citizens supported forest field staff to complete the project, aimed at establishing seasonal distribution and estimated number of crocodiles and turtles. Technical partner for the project is Tinsa Ecological Foundation.The survey area was divided into three parts – Totladoh, its connecting stretch, and Lower Pench reservoir. Of the 15 camps on Pench River, nine camps were selected for independent sampling. Each team covered a minimum of two survey trails (samples) or a maximum of four, depending on the travel time from Kolitmara to the respective camps. On the methodology, Shukla said participants used the 'modified belt transect on boat method', a type of line transect where observers surveyed river banks based upon direct and indirect sightings. “Along with crocodiles, the teams also recorded dens and eggs of softshell turtles. The stretch from Gowlighat to Kirangisarra showed the highest density of crocodiles. Turtles couldn't be sighted due to high water levels,” said Ajinkya Bhatkar, honorary wildlife warden of Nagpur. “Due to high grass density and recent water discharge from the upper reservoir, direct sightings were difficult, and dens and reptile basking sites got submerged,” Bhatkar added. Amit Kumar, DP Srivastava and Prerna Sharma from Tinsa Foundation worked out technical details like training of staff, methodology, and data collection. Assistant conservators (ACFs) Sandip Bhandari and Pooja Limbgaokar, RFOs Vishal Chavan (West Pench), and Vivek Rajurkar (East Pench) coordinated the survey with staff and participants. Rajurkar said the data collected will help in future conservation interventions of the tiger reserve.