Journal of Forest and Environmental Science

Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University (강원대학교 산림과학연구소)
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Breeding Difficulty of Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus Palustris, Lesson, 1831) in Safari Park of Bangladesh

  • Masum, Kazi Mohammad (Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology) ;
  • Rahman, Zahed Mohammad Malekur (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park) ;
  • Alamgir, Mohammed (Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University) ;
  • Mamun, Abdullah Al (Department of Environment) ;
  • Abdullah-Al-Mamun, M.M. (IUCN - The World Conservation Union, Bangladesh Country Office)
  • Received : 2012.05.16
  • Published : 2012.11.30
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Abstract

An assessment of Marsh crocodile's (Crocodylus palustris LESSON, 1831) habitat, its feasibility in supporting the total population, feeding, hatching difficulty and variations in egg and clutch size of Marsh crocodile were carried out in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park for one year (July 2010 to June 2011). Major problem identified was the breeding failure, i.e. till now no hatching were found. Mainly two local weather variables (average temperature and humidity) were identified as the most obstructing parameters. Higher temperature (average $37.03^{\circ}C$) and Lower Humidity (average 75.33%) in comparison with standard range of incubation temperature and humidity for Marsh crocodile were seems to be vital reason for the failure of hatching. Understanding of the identified problem of this paper can direct the wildlife conservationist and the policy maker to take proper action for conserving the Marsh Crocodile in Bangladesh.

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References

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