Headline: 24 Crocodiles Rescued from Vadodara Residential Areas Amid Heavy Rains
News Highlights:
- Crocodile Rescues: 24 crocodiles were rescued from residential areas in Vadodara, Gujarat, following heavy rains that caused flooding.
- Other Animals Saved: 75 other animals, including snakes, turtles, and a porcupine, were also rescued during the same period.
- Largest Crocodile: The biggest crocodile rescued was 14 feet long.
- No Human Conflicts: No incidents of crocodile-human conflict were reported during the rescue operations.
News:
Between August 27 and 29, heavy rains in Vadodara, Gujarat, led to the rescue of 24 crocodiles from residential areas as rising water levels in the Vishwamitri river pushed the reptiles into human habitats. The Vishwamitri river, which runs through Vadodara, is home to approximately 440 crocodiles, many of which move into nearby areas during floods caused by water releases from the Ajwa dam.
According to Vadodara Range Forest Officer Karansinh Rajput, the rescued crocodiles ranged in size from two feet to a massive 14 feet. The largest crocodile, which was caught on Thursday, was found in Kamnath Nagar, close to the river. Local residents alerted authorities to the presence of the huge reptile. Additionally, two other crocodiles, each 11 feet long, were rescued from EME Circle and an open area near the Zoology Department of MS University.
In addition to the crocodiles, 75 other animals were rescued during the same period. This group included snakes, cobras, five large turtles weighing nearly 40 kilograms, and a porcupine. Despite the close proximity of residential areas to the river and the high number of animal rescues, there were no reports of crocodile-human conflicts.
Forest officials noted that crocodiles typically do not attack humans, as they primarily feed on fish and animal carcasses in the river. However, they may occasionally prey on smaller animals like dogs or pigs. A video of such an encounter recently went viral, highlighting the dangers posed by these reptiles during flooding.
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With the water level of the Vishwamitri river now significantly reduced, the rescued crocodiles and other reptiles will be safely released back into the river, ensuring their continued survival in their natural habitat.