Despite tireless efforts of the forest department, the difference between the number of male and female crocodiles is not decreasing in the Chambal sanctuary.
There are seven female crocodiles for every male crocodile. This is causing concern for the scientists and as there is danger of spread of genetic diseases in the crocodiles. Two years ago, Madras crocodile bank WWF and the Forest Department expressed great concern on this situation.
At present, there are 865 crocodiles in national Chambal sanctuary, out of which there are only 20 male crocodiles. This difference has been continuing for the last several years. The scientists blame it on climate change. According to them, a male crocodile can cohabit with four to five female crocodiles.
Wildlife specialist Rishikesh Sharma thinks that the ratio of male to female crocodiles cannot be diminished without the help of incubators. During the last two years, the breading of crocodiles has increased fast and the Chambal is the only river where the crocodiles are breading in the largest number.
Conservator of the forest Gwalior circle JP Narayan says that a big reason of the lopsided gender ratio is the death of infant crocodiles.
The Central Government has provided funds for purchasing machine for rectifying the male female ratio, but due to the shortage of power the work has lagged behind schedule. Wildlife specialist Rishikesh Sharma says that incubator is operated by electricity and until the electricity is supplied properly the work of the incubator cannot be started.
