A crocodile drifted its way from Powai Lake into IIT Powai. To ensure public safety, officials from the Forest Department and the local government acted quickly. On social media, images and videos of the incident have gone viral.
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An interesting fact is that crocodiles have been seen on local highways before. Crocodiles have already ventured out of Powai Lake and into the highways on several occasions, which has raised questions about urban planning and wildlife safety.
Throughout the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and portions of Iran, the Indian Marsh Crocodile - also called the Mugger Crocodile - is commonly found. In addition to thriving in freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes, it may also adapt to artificial reservoirs. In contrast to the saltwater crocodile, the mugger stays away from salty environments.
The Indian Marsh Crocodile is a species that is crucial to preserving the ecological balance in its habitat, acting as a top predator. Historically, mugger crocodiles were common throughout the subcontinent, but their numbers have declined over time as a result of habitat destruction, hunting, loss of prey base, human encroachment, and an increase in conflict situations.