Understanding human–crocodile interactions in their shared spaces in charotar region, central gujarat

Abstract

This project focused on studying interactions between human communities and marsh crocodiles, identification of village-specific challenges, related to crocodiles and invasive plants in wetlands, and an exploration of crocodile movements and habitat use. Marsh crocodiles or muggers are known to have existed in several large freshwater bodies in Gujarat since ancient times, and the state has one of the largest populations of mugger crocodiles in India. The muggers of Charotar region in central Gujarat live in human-made communal water bodies within semi-urban agriculturally dominated areas. Unlike other areas, Charotar has historically had very few negative interactions between humans and crocodile. This intricate relationship is, nevertheless, rapidly evolving in the changing Anthropocene of the tropics and mutually agonistic interactions may amplify further in the future. As these relationships evolve, understanding the coexistence dynamics between these two communities thus becomes crucial. This project aims to unravel these complexities and inform conservation efforts for the possibly threatened mugger populations of the region. The local communities here face different types of challenges caused by farmland and road damage, often due to burrows dug by crocodiles. In addition, heavy infestations by water hyacinth make fishing very difficult or even impossible, and fisherfolk face loss of nets and impeded access to these waterbodies. The infestation of water hyacinth and other aquatic plants further prompted crocodile movement, which, in turn, would have increased interactions with humans and livestock in the Charotar region. Project promotes human-crocodile coexistence via community engagement, challenge identification, solution inputs, resource mapping, and sustainable strategies to boost tolerance and reduce conflicts.