Diurnal Encounter‐Based Size Distribution, Nesting Sites and Habitat Characteristics of the Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in Beeshazari Lake Complex, Nepal
ABSTRACT Mugger crocodiles are the apex predator species of the wetland ecosystem in Nepal, and their conservation could safeguard the entire ecosystem. However, studies on their population status and habitat characteristics are limited, with no scientific research conducted on their nesting ecology...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Ecology and Evolution |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71486 |
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| Summary: | ABSTRACT Mugger crocodiles are the apex predator species of the wetland ecosystem in Nepal, and their conservation could safeguard the entire ecosystem. However, studies on their population status and habitat characteristics are limited, with no scientific research conducted on their nesting ecology to date. Therefore, we selected muggers as a representative species to better understand their daytime sightings, nesting characteristics, and the fine‐scale anthropogenic and environmental factors influencing their occurrence in five lakes of the Beeshazari Lake complex (BLC; Beeshazar Lake, Kumal Lake, Tikauli Lake, Kingfisher Lake, and Batuli Pokhari) of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. We conducted a preliminary survey, followed by a daytime sightings survey, a nesting site survey, and a habitat assessment survey in March 2023. A generalised linear model under binary logistic regression was used to analyse the factors influencing the habitat characteristics of muggers. During the research period, 50 detections of muggers were recorded, 66% of which were observed basking and 34% were submerged in the lakes. The Relative Abundance Index of the muggers in the BLC was 3.29 km−1. Nesting sites (two from Tikauli Lake and three from Beeshazar Lake) were recorded during the study period. The probability of sighting a mugger was significantly influenced by the slope (moderate slope), substrate type (clay, grass, and sand), mid‐lake depth, presence of anthropogenic threats, and presence of invasive species. We recommend that future researchers employ more robust models, such as N‐mixture models, to provide up‐to‐date information on the population abundance of muggers in the BLC. Furthermore, a comprehensive multi‐seasonal study focusing on ecological and behavioural aspects of nesting sites alongside environmental aspects influencing nest success rates is critical. Such research will be crucial in guiding the development of targeted conservation strategies aimed at protecting and preserving essential nesting sites. Moreover, we recommend conducting robust studies on the carrying capacity of wetlands in Nepal to provide insights into the sustainable population size that a wetland can support. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-7758 |