Crocodiles of river Krishna: impact on agriculture, economy, and the sociology of human population in Sangli, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Krishna is one of the main rivers of the Deccan Plateau. It begins its course in the Western Ghats. A large human population relies on the river Krishna for agricultural irrigation, watering livestock (cattle), fishing and other activities. The presence of and attacks by the Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris on humans and livestock are reported in the Krishna resulted in the formulation of the present research. Data collection comprised on-site observations and field interviews using a structured questionnaire. Attacks were found to occur mostly during winter and summer seasons. During winter, crocodiles bask in the sunlight on river banks and attack in self-defense. The summer season corresponds with their breeding period and attacks occur as the crocodiles protect their nests.