Sri Lanka News

Reptile had died at the Dehiwela Zoological Gardens

The crocodile that is suspected to have killed an individual and caused fear among residents of Ragama has died. The reptile was captured by residents on February 7.

the Vice Chairman of the Crocodile Specialists Group for South Asia and Iran of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Anslem Silva said that according to reports the reptile may have been one of the largest found in the region. ’’they were right behind this and joined the members of the public in a special operation.

 

And thanks to these youth as well we were able to capture the crocodile,’’ said Lalith Nishantha Abeywickrema, the Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Thousands of people arrived since last night to witness the monster crocodile.

They believe another crocodile is lurking in the marshlands in addition to the one that was caught. However, specialists say that this is an estuarine or saltwater crocodile which is not widely found. ’’Normally this species grows to about 16 feet in length, it can grow further up to about 20 feet. The largest problem they are facing now is loss of habitat. And this is the result.

This species is endangered across the world.’’ ’’Scientifically it is known as Crocodylus Porosus. They used to be widespread in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Now this reptile is barely to be seen there.

Tribal people hunt them and eat them. It is not sure how much longer they will exist.’’ ’’It is our responsibility to conserve and protect them for future generations. This is the largest crocodile I have seen in my lifetime,’’’ said Mendis Wickremesinghe, a Reptile and Amphibian Specialist The crocodile, it is learnt had been taken away by officers of the Wildlife Department.Wildlife Officers. However the reptile had died at the Dehiwela Zoological Gardens.

courtesy - dailymirror