Locals Catch Marsh Crocodile Near Jiwani Port

APP

Karachi: Residents in the vicinity of Dashat River, located north of Jiwani in Balochistan, recently apprehended a marsh crocodile at Kuntani Hor.

Subsequent reports indicate that the crocodile was subsequently tethered to a wooden pole, pending its relocation further north. This specific location lies roughly 20 kilometers north of Jiwani town, nestled along the coastal expanse of Balochistan.

Coastal rivers in Balochistan, including the Hub River, Hingol River, Basul River, and Dashat River, are known habitats for crocodiles. These rivers often host sizable crocodiles, some reaching lengths of over 4 meters. 

Marsh crocodiles, scientifically referred to as Crocodylus palustris, are native to regions stretching from southern Iran to the Indian subcontinent.

Typically, local communities along the rivers of Sindh and Balochistan show reverence towards these crocodiles, considering them important, sometimes even religiously significant, akin to the Muggar of Manghopir.

While rare instances may involve harm or threats to crocodiles appearing near residential areas, the customary practice is to capture and relocate them to suitable environments.

In the Dashat River, the mugger crocodile is typically found downstream of the Mirani Dam but rarely ventures close to the sea, unlike in Kuntani.

Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor at WWF-Pakistan, notes the scarcity of crocodile populations in Balochistan’s rivers, with the largest concentration being in the Hingol and Basul rivers.

A team has been dispatched to Kuntani and has engaged with the Balochistan Wildlife Department to urgently address the rescue of the crocodile.

Additionally, Muhammad Moazzam Khan emphasizes the necessity of raising awareness among local communities regarding the protection of crocodile populations in Pakistan.

Globally, the marsh crocodile is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, in Pakistan, crocodile populations face significant threats due to their small numbers and widespread distribution in challenging environments.