There are mainly three species of Indian Crocodile, namely, Mugger or Fresh Water crocodile (Crocodilus palustris);Estuarine crocodile (Crocodilus porosus); Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). All the three species were found in West Bengal. The present status of Mugger or fresh water crocodile and Gharial are unknown. But few specimen of Gharial were rescued from the river Bhagirathi-Hooghly in Howrah. A reintroduction programme has been taken up as per recommendations of Wildlife Advisory Board for West Bengal. Six Gharials brought from Uttar Pradesh were released in Gorumara National Park in 1998. The Estuarine crocodile is found in the Gangetic delta of Sunderban estuary in good numbers. Artificial hatching & rearing had been initiated. The Sunderbans estuary covers an area of 4389

sq.km and forms suitable natural haunt for estuarine crocodile. This species in the past was in abundance in the
mangrove forests, but for the value of its skin, were mercilessly killed to such an extent as to threaten the species with extinction.

To maintain the ecology of the Sunderbans it was felt necessary to initiate a project for crocodiles within its natural home for preservation by rearing, conserving and promoting breeding facilities. Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project situated in 24-Parganas Division started functioning since 1976-77.

Madras Crocodile Bank :
Madras Crocodile Bank is situated close to Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu. It was started in 1976 as a captive breeding centre to assist the dwindling crocodile population of India. Initially, Madras Crocodile Bank concentrated only on the three species of crocodilians found in India.However, presently it houses exotic species of crocodiles as well as species of chelonians and snakes. Madras Crocodile Bank has always claimed an important stake in conservation, education and research of crocodilians and other reptile species. This captive facility was visited by Shubhobroto Ghosh, an independent zoo animal welfare investigator, on 9th July,2002. The report details the conditions of the facility which could be plainly assessed by any discerning layman.