Crocodiles in Goa
Did you know that Goa has a temple that is entirely dedicated to the crocodile? In the small village of Poroscodem in North Goa’s Pernem taluka, the villagers who are crocodile worshippers have constructed India’s first shrine that is dedicated to crocodiles. The closest such shrine is in Karachi, Pakistan.
The local farmers have long worshipped the mugger in this village to get a good winter crop. However, after a recent road expansion, the spot where the crocodiles came to bask was lost. The shrine was erected by the village elders to make the young remember their crocodile praying traditions.
Goa’s Own Crocodile Day
Goa also has a special day dedicated to crocodiles. People of the Durbhatwadi village worship crocodiles and have an annual event. The Mangee Thapnee festival is held in January.
In Goa, crocodiles thrive in lakes, marshes, rivers, and even ponds. The species you can see are freshwater muggers. But these animals have adapted very well to saline water as well.
The Mugger Crocodiles of Goa
In India, you can see three species of crocodiles – Gharial, Mugger, and Estuarine. In Goa, you can see the Mugger that can grow up to 4 meters. The males are bigger than the females. These animals are skilled predators but don’t usually attack humans. You will still want to be careful. They have a third membrane in their eyes, which allows them to see while keeping water out of their eyes. The female muggers will dig holes to lay their eggs. These crocodiles feed on fish and birds.
Where Can You See Crocodiles in Goa
- Cumbharjua Canal – It is a distributor channel between the Mandovi and Zuari rivers in North Goa. It is the best place to see them in the state. You will see these cold-bodied animals lying in the sun to warm their bodies. They are used to seeing people. So, you can get close – but not too close. Up to 40 crocodiles have been spotted in this 15-kilometer channel.
- Opa River – This river is also a good place to see them. The best season to see the crocodiles is between October and May. A popular time is the mating season, as you can witness their mating rituals that involve blowing water bubbles and jaw strapping.
Sighting Crocodiles in the Mangroves
Sometimes, they are also seen in the mangroves of Goa, like close to Divar Island and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Some crocodiles will swim through the Cumbharjua Canal and reach up to these areas. They venture up to the mangroves in search of fresh fish and the occasional bird as the mangroves have a large population.
Stray crocodiles have also been spotted in the Zuari River. Recently, a photograph was taken of a crocodile on Morjim Beach. It was seen walking up to the sea. This is rare but possible because the Muggers have adapted well to salt water. It is believed that this crocodile swam through the Chapora River to reach the beach. Chapora also has a large mangrove area upstream with many water channels.
The crocodiles of Goa are protected. Hunting is forbidden. You can see and photograph them. Don’t try to feed them. They will rush on seeing a boat if they get used to humans feeding them.