Forum Pakistan

Until the 1950 , the Mugger of March Crocodile (Crododiles palustris) was widespread throughout the province of *Sindh. Exploitation of its skin to make decorative shoes, handbags and luggage led to its virtual disappearance by the 1980s. Only a small remnant population survived in the seeping lakes of Sanghar District. Fortunately, the Sindh Wildlife Management Board designated part of this area as a sanctuary for the Mugger and there is now a healthy population surviving within the sanctuary area. There is also a thriving colony of captive snub-nosed crocodiles attached to the tomb of a local *Sufi saint at Mangho Pir, near Karachi, reputed to have special healing powers for skin problems.

The fish eating Ghavial Crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus), however, has become virtually extinct in Pakistan. It was always confined to the main river system and the construction of irrigation barrages, as well as persecution by fishing tribes resident on the *Indus had reduced its numbers severely. A captive breeding programme that has led to a partial recovery currently exists in Pakistan.