Morphometry, nutrition and health of the marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) conserved in the Chittagong zoo, Bangladesh

Abstract

The crocodiles are one of the largest living reptiles representing the majority of the ancient classes of reptilians which are far reaching and dependent on the deep oceanic environments of the tropical and sub-tropical locales. In expansion to their biological significance and recognizable proof as the key stone old species, they serve exceptionally critical economic role for human civilization. Crocodile meat is not only delicious, it is anti-arthritic, antiinflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, anti-thrombotic, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-carcinogenic for human being. However, most of the populations of the species have been depleted in their ranges due to over harvesting for diversified employment settlement with special regard to their highly valued skin and oil. Consequently, out of 23 living species, nearly half of them are recorded in several categories of Red Data List as debilitated species and currently facing severe threats for survival. The purpose of the Chittagong zoo, Bangladesh is recreation, exhibition, conservation, education and research on wildlife. The current study aimed to focus the morphometry, habitat, nutrition, health and reproduction of the marsh crocodile (Crocodyluspalustris) conserved in the Chittagong zoo, Bangladesh.