INVESTIGATION ON THE TUNNEL ECOLOGY OF CROCODYLUS-PALUSTRIS LESSON

Primarily, tunnels are utilised for night halt by the Indian muggers C rocodylus palustris Lesson around the year. However, tunnels do serve as the cosy warm shelters for Indian muggers during extreme months of winter at Bhor Saidan Crocodile sanctuary (21 degrees 55' N, 79 degree s 60' E.). During this time, least two tunnels are utilised by all the crocodiles without exception. Evidently, these 1 or 2 tunnels serve a s dormitories. As the mercury column ascends by the time it is spring, at least 6 to 7 tunnels fall under use for night halt. However a sing le animal uses a single tunnel. Furthermore, a minority of crocodiles prefer to boycott the tunnels for night halt during spring (February a nd March). As the Summer approaches from May to July, all the muggers prefer to stay on, on the banks of water body, then by passing usages of tunnels. The same scenario prevails during the following rainy seas on (August - September).