Why in the News?
The Vishwamitri River, flowing through Vadodara in Gujarat, has drawn attention due to the presence of a large urban population of mugger crocodiles, earning it the title India’s Crocodile River.
About Vishwamitri River
- A small non perennial river in eastern Gujarat
- Origin: Western and southern slopes of the Pavagadh Hills
- Course: Flows westward through Vadodara city
- Tributaries: Dhadar and Jambuva
- Outfall: Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat
- Total length: 200 km
- Characterised by highly meandering and sinuous course
Biodiversity Along the River
- Mammals: Porcupine, Indian civet, Jungle cat
- Reptiles: Cobras, Pythons, Checkered keelback, Bengal monitor
- Supports a major population of Mugger crocodile
Mugger Crocodiles
- Scientific name Crocodylus palustris
- Distribution: Iran to Bangladesh, Nepal to Sri Lanka
- In India found in 15 states
- Also called Indian crocodile
- 2025 census recorded 442 muggers
- Found within a 21 km urban stretch in Vadodara
- Freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds, hill streams
- Can survive in coastal saltwater lagoons
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
| [2017] If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves (b) Chambal River (c) Pulicat Lake (d) Deepor Beel |
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