Home › Reptilia › Crocodylidae › Indian Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Indian Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
Crocodylus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Reptilia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sundarbans
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Coastal mangroves, estuaries
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Reptilia
ORDER
Crocodilia
FAMILY
Crocodylidae
GENUS
Crocodylus
📋 Description
SIZE
Males 6-7 meters, 1000 kg; females 3-4 meters
COLORATION
Grey to dark green, lighter underparts; juveniles yellow bands
ADAPTATIONS
Powerful jaws, armored skin, excellent swimming
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Coastal mangroves, estuaries
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sundarbans
REPRODUCTION
Lays 40-60 eggs in mounds, hatch 80-90 days
DIET DETAILS
Fish, birds, mammals, occasionally humans
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Historical hunting, habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Massive Predators: Growing 7 meters their 1000 kg bodies ambush 100 kg prey in Sundarbans' mangroves with 5000 in India. Their 4000 psi bites crush bones.
2
Stealth Hunters: Lurking in Bhitarkanika's estuaries their 70-year lifespans dominate 2000 sq km coasts. Conservation protects their mangrove habitats from poaching.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal mangrove forests host crocodile sightings
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha estuarine habitat offers crocodile sightings
Andaman and Nicobar Islands coastal mangroves have crocodile sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
November-March. Dry season concentrates crocodiles in estuaries for basking.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Take boat tours at midday to see crocodiles on mudbanks.
