DAWN (Karachi, Pakistan) 20 May 03 Crocodile study farm set up at zoo
Karachi (PPI): Karachi Zoo has established Crocodile Study Farm, the first of its kind, where information on the life cycle and activities of marsh crocodile will be recorded and shared by concerned departments.
Marsh crocodile, a native reptile of Sindh, is an endangered species facing decline in its breeding and human encroachment in its natural habitat coupled with excessive hunting, elimination by fishermen, and poaching. No study was being conducted on the species even at the Haleji Lake sanctuary of Sindh Wildlife department.
A decision in this regard was taken by the DO of Zoo and Safari Park, Kazi Mansoor, who had observed that a female marsh crocodile had been digging pits to lay eggs in an isolated corner of the crocodile pond but trespassing by males hindering the process.
In order to facilitate a successful breeding by this fish-eating crocodile in the Zoo and record the reptile's instinct, habits, behaviour etc. a pair of young crocodiles has been kept in a separate pond where natural environment has been ensured.
Over their decades long presence at Karachi Zoo, the crocodiles have had only two litters - some time and mid-80s and then in July last year.In January last year, the Sindh Wildlife department donated nine crocodiles - four male and six female - from the its Haleji sanctuary when the zoo itself had five male and only one old female crocodiles.
Due to lack of knowledge and experience in this regard, the zoo authorities were not able to understand the movements and activities of one of the females who laid eggs in July last year and despite observing 15 hatchlings, only the last two were captured to be bred in captivity. The rest were either killed by predators, adult male crocodiles, and there are chances that a few of the hatchlings have escaped to birds' ponds.
The captured ones have grown up to two feet in about 10 months.However, Kazi Mansoor, supported by Dr Kazim and Ms Abida have been maintaining the current record of crocodiles. It may be mentioned here that the zoo has no record about the age of its crocodiles.
Kazi Mansoor says the most unfortunate thing is that we do not give due importance to local species though there are more exotic birds and animals in the zoo and Safari Park as compared to local breeds.
"At least our data can be used by other departments and the students of zoology departments of various universities in the country." he said.Crocodiles are among those few creatures who are being paid least attention by the authorities. This appears to be one of the reasons that no efforts towards saving the Gavial crocodile (Ghariyal) were being made and the species had almost become extinct in the country.
Karachi Zoo has one of the surviving Gavials while Lahore Zoo, too, has only three females. But nothing has been done so far to avail a match for their survival.
Similarly, there is one 14-feet male local python in the zoo and despite numerous request for a female, the authorities were neither taking measures in this regard nor granting permission to the Sindh Wildlife department to provide one.
Crocodile study farm set up at zoo