With reference to members in Saltwater Crocodile consider the following statements 1 ...........

Environment and Ecology Wildlife

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With reference to members in Saltwater Crocodile, consider the following statements:

1. They are least concerned in IUCN red list.

2. They are hypercarnivorous apex predator.

3. They are the largest riparian predator in the world.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1 only

1 and 2 only

2 only

All of the above

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Explanation:

Salt crocodiles were in news because the Odisha government is setting up a world-class interpretation centre at Dangamal near Bhitarkanika National Park to showcase its efforts in protecting crocodiles and preserving its rich mangrove diversity. The centre will be developed both as a tourist attraction and a place for students to learn about the environment.

The project, which has been approved under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, will be taken up at an estimated cost of 3 crore. Bhitarkanika park is famous for its green mangroves, migratory birds, turtles, estuarine crocodiles and countless creeks. It is said to house 70% of the country’s estuarine or saltwater crocodiles, conservation of which was started way back in 1975.

‘BAULA’ PROJECT AT DANGAMAL:

‘Baula’ is the Oriya term for Saltwater Crocodile. At Dangmal in Bhitarkanika sanctuary, salt-water crocodile eggs have been collected locally; and young crocodiles have been released in the creeks and the estuaries; and more than 2200 crocodiles have been released in phases since 1977. This operation has been reasonably successful and the crocodile population in the Bhitarkanika river system has gradually been built up.

Note:

Saltwater crocodile

The saltwater crocodile, also known as the estuarine crocodile, Indo-Pacific crocodile, marine crocodile, sea crocodile or informally as saltie, is the largest of all living reptiles, as well as the largest riparian predator in the world.
The saltwater crocodile is a large and opportunistic hypercarnivorous apex predator.
Currently, the species is listed in CITES as follows:
Appendix I (prohibiting all commercial trade in the species or its byproducts): All wild populations except for those of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea;
Appendix II (commercial trade allowed with export permit; import permits may or may not be required depending on the laws of the importing country): Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea wild populations, plus all worldwide populations bred in captivity for commercial purposes.