Marsh crocodile rescued from UP village, released in Yamuna

Agra Feb 7 (IANS) A mugger crocodile was rescued on Wednesday from Latumai village near Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh Wildlife SOS officials said.

Rescue team members said the reptile also known as marsh crocodile was later released in the Yamuna river.

Earlier the residents of the village nearly 75 km from Agra were taken aback on seeing the crocodile -- weighing around 90 kg and nearly seven feet in length -- wandering close to their homes.

They suspected it may have come through a canal that irrigates agricultural fields in Latumai.

They contacted the Forest Department following which the Firozabad District Forest Officer contacted Wildlife SOS for assistance.

Baiju Raj M.V Director Conservation Projects Wildlife SOS said: "This is the second crocodile to be rescued in two weeks. The crocodile was later released into the Yamuna flowing through Firozabad district."

Deputy Conservator of Forests (Firozabad) Umashankar Dore said the crocodile was released in a suitable habitat where it can thrive.

The mugger crocodile is listed vulnerable on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

The species is found in freshwater habitats like ponds rivers lakes and marshes and can travel considerable distances over land in search of a more suitable habitat.

--IANS
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