Population status of mugger crocodile (Crocodylus Palustris ) in moyarriver, Tamil Nadu, Southern India

Mugger crocodile is “Keystone Species” species of aquatic ecosystem and is most common and widely distributed in India. Survey was carried out from October 2014 to April 2015 and April 2016 to October 2016 in Moyar River (36km river stretch of Belmeen Kadavu to Kallampalayam). Present study, we describe the current population status and basking behavior of Mugger crocodile in Moyar River in Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Survey period, a total of 81 (2.89 ± 0.41) individuals were recorded in a 63 sightings, of which 45 individuals were adults, 28 individuals were sub adults and eight individuals were juveniles. Most of the basking substrates was rocks (53 %) and frequently basked from 0900 hrs -1100 hrs. Muggers in Moyar River are unique example of man living in harmony with animals and suitable for the future conservation in Tamil Nadu.