The second crocodile and turtle survey was recently conducted by the PENCH Tiger Reserve (PTR). This survey involved the participation of 21 individuals, including field staff. The first survey for crocodiles and turtles took place in June 2023, during which 30 crocodiles were observed. Now the second one was held in January.
Field teams covered approximately 200 kilometers of river length. During this survey, they spotted 52 individual crocodiles, as well as dens and eggs of Softshell Turtles. The area stretching from Gowlighat to Kirrigisarra showed the highest density of crocodiles. However, due to high water levels, turtles were not sighted. The thick grass and recent water discharge from the Upper Reservoir made it difficult for direct sightings, leading to submerged dens and basking sites.
Under the guidance of Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director of PTR, the survey aimed to establish the seasonal distribution and estimated numbers of crocodiles. As apex predators in the riverine ecosystem, the presence and spatial utilization of crocodiles serve as indicators of the area’s ecological health.
The planning and coordination of the survey were led by the technical partner, Tinsa Ecological Foundation. The entire area was divided into three sections: Totladoh, the connecting stretch, and the lower Pench reservoir. Out of the 15 camps on Pench River, including both the upper and lower reservoirs, nine camps were selected for independent sampling during the survey.
At each camp, considered as a center point, two sampling trails were chosen—one covering upstream and the other downstream—for the survey.
Participants were grouped into teams of two for each camp, covering a minimum of two survey trails or up to four depending on travel time. Department and fisherman boats facilitated the survey. Using the Modified Belt Transect on Boat method, observers surveyed river banks based on direct and indirect sightings. Inaugural and concluding programs were held at Kolitmara.
Ajinkya Bhatkar from WWF India and Honorary Wildlife Warden, briefed participants on the role of citizen science surveys. Technical aspects were overseen by Dr. Amit Kumar, D P Srivastava, and Prerna Sharma from Tinsa Foundation. Dr. Shukla, Sandip Bhandari, and Pooja commended participants’ efforts, with support from Vishal Chavan and Vivek Rajurkar. The program concluded with certificate distribution. A report, based on collected data, will guide future conservation interventions by Pench Tiger Reserve.