Over 50 Crocodiles Rescued in Gujarat 

Vadodara : The recent heavy rains in Gujarat have led to a significant rise in crocodile sightings across the state, prompting intensified rescue efforts by Wildlife SOS-Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) team in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department. To date, approximately 50 mugger crocodiles have been rescued by the Gujarat Forest Department along with other organisations within the state in the past three months.

The onset of the monsoon season has created challenging conditions for local wildlife, particularly for reptiles such as crocodiles, whose natural habitats have been inundated. As a result, these reptiles have ventured into urban areas leading to increased rescue activities.

One such rescue involved a nearly 5-foot-long mugger crocodile that was found trapped in a net at a cricket academy field near Rajmahal Compound. The Wildlife SOS-GSPCA team, working alongside the Gujarat Forest Department, successfully freed the crocodile without any injuries and ensured its safe transfer to the forest department for further care.

The monsoon has brought with it not just crocodiles but a range of reptile rescues. Throughout August, the Wildlife SOS-GSPCA team has been active in rescuing a variety of reptiles, including monitor lizards, Indian cobras, and several other species of snakes. These rescues are crucial in ensuring the safety of reptiles displaced by the flooding and mitigating potential risks to humans.

Raj Bhavsar, Project Coordinator at Wildlife SOS and President of GSPCA, emphasised the importance of these efforts, saying, “The heavy rains have significantly disrupted the natural habitats of many reptiles, pushing them into unfamiliar and hazardous areas. Our prompt rescue operations are essential for ensuring their safety and minimising conflicts with humans.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, added, “Our partnership with the Gujarat Forest Department is pivotal in responding effectively to these emergencies. Monsoon season in Vadodara presents an annual challenge for wildlife rescues, making our collaborative efforts even more crucial during this time.”

Karan Singh Rajput, Range Forest Officer, Vadodara, said, “The swift action taken by the Gujarat Forest Department and the Wildlife SOS-GSPCA team was crucial to the success of this rescue. I would like to thank the rescuers for their expertise and handling of the case with such skill.”