Mugger Crocodile
The mugger crocodile, or marsh crocodile, is a medium-sized freshwater crocodile native to the Indian subcontinent and the most common crocodile in India. Highly adaptable, it inhabits a wide range of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, and man-made reservoirs, and can travel considerable distances overland to colonise new water bodies. The mugger is central to conservation success at Gharial Ecology Project sites and India's Project Crocodile.
Average Length
3.5 m
Average Weight
250 kg
Lifespan
40-50 years
Top Speed
15 km/h
WildAtlas insight
Low elusiveness
This species is generally easier to observe in the wild, based on its typical traits and behavior.
Why this grade?
These are some of the biological and behavioral factors, among others, that WildAtlas considers when deriving this species level grade.
- Animal group
- Reptile
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Social behavior
- Solitary
This proprietary WildAtlas grade describes the animal in general and stays the same across parks. It is separate from park level insights, which depend on local conditions and data.
Quick Facts
The mugger is the most widespread crocodilian in the Indian subcontinent.
They are known to share space peacefully with tigers that come to drink at waterholes — notably in Ranthambore.
Muggers can survive dry seasons by aestivating (dormancy) in burrows.
Ranthambore's lakes are famous for dramatic scenes of mugger and tiger interactions.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Diurnal
Social Structure
Solitary
Gestation Period
75 days incubation
Litter Size
25
Predators
Humans
Found in Parks
Where should you look for mugger crocodile? Explore each park's biome, habitat, and local conditions. Population, density, and sighting trends will shape future park specific insights.
Jim Corbett National Park
Uttarakhand
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Ranthambore National Park
Rajasthan
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Sundarbans National Park
West Bengal
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Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Bihar
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Nagarhole National Park
Karnataka
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Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra
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Gir National Park
Gujarat
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Simlipal National Park
Odisha
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Kuno National Park
Madhya Pradesh
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Kaziranga National Park
Assam
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Periyar National Park
Kerala
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Dudhwa National Park
Uttar Pradesh
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Panna National Park
Madhya Pradesh
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