Preliminary Inventory of Biodiversity at Ghodahada Reservoir: Conservation of Mugger Crocodile at Ganjam District, Odisha

Abstract

The existing small population of Mugger crocodile inhabit in south Odisha near Ganjam and Parlakamundai district Border. The main habitats could be classified in two, main natural and artificial habitats. The main natural habitats are the small and large ponds along the main Reservoir, Ghodahada. Most of these ponds have similar characteristics providing suitable habitats for the Mugger crocodiles. Generally, Mugger crocodiles avoid from running parts of the rivers, streams and prefer fairly deep and calm parts of the rivers with suitable vegetation and sandy banks. As the artificial water bodies also play essential support for the Mugger crocodile population. Small and large ponds nearby villages constructed for the rain water storage as well as the dams constructed along the river Ghodahada supposed to be important habitats for the Mugger crocodiles too. The movement of Mugger crocodiles between the habitats is usual recorded behavior in the area. In most habitats the Mugger crocodiles have close contact with local people. Some ponds in border area are supposed to be Mugger crocodile habitats too, and some reports from local people indicating movement between the local habitats. Constructed dams on the main rivers had important effects on the habitats too. 37 species of fish, 8 amphibian 28 reptilian and 46 bird species are the main food resources for the Mugger crocodiles in these habitats which also add the richness to biodiversity of area. Since 2008 Mugger crocodile conservation program was initiated by Berhampur forest department. Latest 2014 census recorded 46 basking Mugger crocodiles and 7 nests were found during the nest survey in small islands/mainland in habitat.