STUDY ON THE ONSITE BREEDING OF MARSH CROCODILE (CROCODYLUS PALUSTRIS) IN MANGHOPIR SHRINE AREA, KARACHI, SINDH.

During the year 2010 - 2013, the present study deals with the onsite breeding of Marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in Manghopir Shrine Area, Karachi, Sindh. Some other areas of Sindh province were also selected including; Karachi Zoological Garden, Chotiari Reservoir, Nara Canal, Deh Akro-II Wetlands Complex, Haleji Lake, Khar Center and Hub Dam Reservoir, for the estimation of current population status of Marsh crocodiles in the Province. \ud The 1st study point, Manghopir Shrine Area was selected in District Karachi. There were 144 crocodiles. It was the highest recorded population of crocodiles in captivity. In this area, there is a "Sheedi Community" which is providing shelter to these crocodiles. It is a local community which is living in this area, for the last two centuries. Food deficiency and lack of proper space for biological and physical activities are the major threats for crocodiles in this area. The 2nd point of study was Karachi Zoological Garden. In this area 9 crocodiles were recorded, it was the least recorded population in captivity. Food insufficiency is a major concern for the population of crocodiles in this area.\ud The 3rd selected study area was in District Sanghar, Chotiari Reservoir (Ramsar Site). In this area total recorded population of crocodile was 237 in wild. In District Khairpur, Nara Canal was selected as 4th point for the present study in wild. There 238 crocodiles were counted in wild. In District Shaheed Benazairabad, Deh Akro-II Wetlands Complex was selected as 5th point of study (Ramsar Site). In this area 544 \ud crocodiles were recorded and it was the highest recorded population of in wild during the present study. \ud In Thatta District, Haleji Lake (Ramsar Site) was the 6th study point where data was recorded in wild and in captivity. There 205 crocodiles were recorded in wild and 13 were recorded in captivity. There is a captive farm where crocodiles have shown good onsite breeding results. There is concern of food deficiency for this species; also funds are needed for the protection of crocodiles in captivity. Khar Center was selected as 7th study point; there 36 crocodiles were recorded in captivity. In District Karachi (Sindh, province) and District Lasbella (Balochistan province); Hub Dam Reservoir (also Ramsar Site), was similarly selected as 8th study point. There only one adult crocodile was recoded, as it was the most little recorded population in wild.</br> \ud On the basis of present study, it is concluded that, Marsh crocodile has been facing many threats due to habitat destruction, widespread agricultural and industrialized development in selected study areas. Unregulated hunting is also affecting on onsite breeding of crocodiles and its population. Implementation of conservation and management programs are needed for the safeguard of this species