The sanctuary is expected to launch a sponsorship program to help defray the costs of renovation of the enclosures in which the reptiles will live.
The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary announced that will house six Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) and six mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) as part of a Species Survival Plan that is set up to enhance an existing breeding population of these two critically endangered and vulnerable crocodilians. The PHS will now be home to six of the 33 Gharials in the United States that are SSP participants in the country. There were previously just two mugger crocodiles in the United States before the arrival of the six to the PHS.
“PHS will create environments that closely mirror the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures, thus ensuring the success of breeding programs,” PHS Vice President Debbie Gibson said in a statement released to the media. The ponds that will house these crocodiles will include sandy beaches, foliage and appropriate heating systems to ensure the water is appropriate for the species.
Mugger crocodile. Photo by Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. Used with permission.
The sanctuary is expected to launch a sponsorship program to help defray the costs of renovation of the enclosures in which the reptiles will live. This will enable individuals and organizations to contribute to the well being of these crocodilians and their conservation efforts.
About Gharials
Female gharials grow to about 8 to 10 feet in length, while males can reach up to about 13 feet in length. They feed on fish, insects, fish, frogs, crustaceans. The snout of the gharial is narrow and long and is adapted to capturing and eating fish. it is also commonly called the gavial or fish eating crocodile.
About Mugger Crocodiles
Mugger crocodiles are native to southern Iran and the Indian subcontinent. They are a medium size crocodile, with females growing to about 6 to 8 feet in length and males growing to about 15 feet or less. It has the broadest snout among crocodile species and feeds on fish, snakes, turtles, birds and mammals. They have also been observed using tools to hunt birds, balancing sticks on their heads that birds see as nesting materials.
