:Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
{{Short description|Herpetology research station in Chennai, India}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox organization
|name = Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
|image = CrocBank Entrancce.jpg
|caption = Entrance to the Madras Crocodile Bank
|size = 250px
|logo = Madras_crocologo.png
|logo_size = 135px
|formation = 1976
|type = NGO
|status = Non profit public trust
|purpose = Herpetofaunal conservation, research and education
|headquarters = Chennai
|location = Vadanemmeli, Chennai
|region_served = India
|membership =
|language = Tamil, English
|leader_title = Founder and director
|leader_name = Romulus Whitaker
|parent_organization =
|affiliations = Central Zoo Authority of India
IUCN Species Survival Commission
|num_staff = 49
|budget =
|website = {{URL|http://www.madrascrocodilebank.org}}
|remarks =
}}{{Coord|12.743875|N|80.240107|E|display=title}}
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (MCBT) is a reptile zoo and herpetology research station, located {{cvt|40|km}} south of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The centre is both a registered trust and a recognized zoo under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and comes under the purview of the Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The establishment is located on a {{cvt|8.5|acre}} site covered by coastal sand forests, along the coast of Bay of Bengal.
The MCBT was established in 1976 with the primary aim of conservation of three Indian species of crocodiles — mugger crocodile, saltwater crocodile and gharial. It was expanded as a centre for herpetology and research of other reptile species in 2003. The centre has bred over 5000 crocodiles since its inception and is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world. As of 2024, the park had 15 species of crocodiles including three critically endangered species and 33 other reptilian species. The park recorded about 0.42 million annual visitors from April 2018 to March 2019.
The trust also runs three field stations at South Andaman, Agumbe in Karnataka, and the Chambal valley in Uttar Pradesh as well as a snake venom extraction centre. It is also involved in various research, conservation and educational projects.
History
File:Marsh Crocodiles basking in the sun.JPGs.]]
Towards the end of the 19th century, hunting of crocodiles for their skin began and by the 1960s, wild populations of the crocodiles were reducing.{{cite web|url=https://internationalcrocodilian.com/crocodilians-conservation/|title=Crocodilians conservation|work=International Crocodilian|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927115104/https://internationalcrocodilian.com/crocodilians-conservation/|url-status=live}}{{cite report|url=https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/NS-SP-032.pdf|title=Crocodiles, Proceedings of the First Working Meeting of Crocodile specialists|work=IUCN|date=15 March 1971|access-date=1 December 2023|page=42-45}} Amongst the three Indian species, the mugger (Crocodylus palustris) had disappeared from most of its range, the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) was critically endangered and saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) numbers were threatened.{{cite web|url=https://wildlifesos.org/chronological-news/world-crocodile-day-meet-the-three-indian-crocodilians/|title=Meet the three Indian crocodilians|work=Wildlife SOS|date=17 June 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002115034/https://wildlifesos.org/chronological-news/world-crocodile-day-meet-the-three-indian-crocodilians/|url-status=live}} The crocodile species were protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 by the Government of India.{{cite report|url=https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/append1_0.pdf|title=Appendix, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 December 2023|page=5|archive-date=22 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722152405/https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/append1_0.pdf|url-status=live}} The Crocodile Conservation Project was launched by the Indian government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1975, for the protection and captive breeding of crocodiles.{{cite web|url=https://wildlife.odisha.gov.in/crocodileconservation|title=Crocodile Conservation|publisher=Government of Odisha|access-date=1 June 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://systemanaturae.org/wildlifeprojects/crocodile-conservation-project/|title=Crocodile conservation project|work=Sytama Naturae|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=29 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929034410/https://systemanaturae.org/wildlifeprojects/crocodile-conservation-project/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/26-fresh-water-crocodiles-hatched-at-vandalur-zoo/articleshow/4660187.cms|title=26 fresh water crocodiles hatched at Vandalur zoo|first=Madhavan|last=D|newspaper=The Times of India|date=16 June 2009|access-date=30 August 2023|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518080205/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/26-fresh-water-crocodiles-hatched-at-vandalur-zoo/articleshow/4660187.cms|url-status=live}} The Madras Crocodile Bank was conceived in 1973 and it was established on 26 August 1976 by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker with his wife Zai Whitaker and others.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/jaws-iii-the-croc-in-captivity/article2035039.ece|title=Jaws III, the croc in captivity|newspaper=The Hindu|date=20 May 2011|access-date=30 August 2023|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518080213/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/jaws-iii-the-croc-in-captivity/article2035039.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://madrascrocodilebank.org/about_us|title=About us|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-date=31 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331092612/https://madrascrocodilebank.org/about_us|url-status=live}} The bank was started for the protection and breeding of Indian crocodile species.{{cite web|url=https://madrascrocodilebank.org/history|title=History|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-date=31 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331100138/http://madrascrocodilebank.org/history|url-status=live}}
File:CrocBank WalkAlley.jpg.]]
The Crocodile Bank later developed a captive breeding program for freshwater turtles and tortoises.{{cite web|url=https://speciesonthebrink.org/partners/madras-crocodile-bank-trust-and-centre-for-herpetology/|title=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology|work=Asian Species Action Partnership|date=16 May 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208060316/https://speciesonthebrink.org/partners/madras-crocodile-bank-trust-and-centre-for-herpetology/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://nytts.org/proceedings/whitakr2.htm|title=Captive Breeding of Indian Turtles and Tortoises at the Centre for Herpetology/Madras Crocodile Bank|work=The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518080206/https://nytts.org/proceedings/whitakr2.htm|url-status=live}} In the 1980s, the bank was established on the Moyar River to study the mugger crocodiles.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/how-mugger-crocodiles-live-in-peace-with-humans-along-moyar/article67615908.ece|title=How mugger crocodiles live in peace with humans along Moyar|date=7 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204507/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/how-mugger-crocodiles-live-in-peace-with-humans-along-moyar/article67615908.ece|url-status=live}} In 1990, the Andaman and Nicobar Environmental Team (ANET) was set-up as a division of the bank with a station established on a {{cvt|5|acre}} stretch of land in Wandoor, on the southern tip of South Andaman in 1993.{{cite web|url=https://www.iotn.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/13-2-ANDAMAN-NICOBAR-ENVIRONMENT-TEAM.pdf|title=Andaman and Nicobar Environmental Team|work=Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter|issue=13|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203232758/https://www.iotn.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/13-2-ANDAMAN-NICOBAR-ENVIRONMENT-TEAM.pdf|url-status=live}} The newsletter Hamadryad being published by the trust since 1976 was converted into a full scientific journal in 1991.{{cite journal|url=https://www.hamadryad.org/index.php/journal/article/download/64/61/119|title=Cumulative Index to Hamadryad|journal=Hamadryad|volume=29|date=31 January 2005|issn=0972-205X|page=2|author1=Genevieve Gee|author2=Indraneil Das|access-date=18 May 2024|archive-date=17 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217164910/https://www.hamadryad.org/index.php/journal/article/download/64/61/119|url-status=live}} In 2003, the bank was renamed the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Center for Herpetology and additional exhibits of other reptiles were added.{{cite report|url=https://madrascrocodilebank.org/static/annual_reports/Annual%20Report-%202018-19.pdf|title=Annual Report 18-19|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=9 July 2023|page=2-3}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/Aug/29/diary-notes-at-the-madras-crocodile-bank-285817.html|title=Diary notes at the Madras Crocodile Bank|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518080205/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/Aug/29/diary-notes-at-the-madras-crocodile-bank-285817.html|url-status=live}} The trust is also involved in research on snake venom and in 2005, the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station was established in Agumbe in Karnataka for the study of King Cobra and other diverse animals and ecosystems of the Western Ghats.{{cite journal|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30551144/|title=Snakebite Mitigation Project of the Madras Crocodile Bank/Centre for Herpetology, India: background and a brief summary of activities|author=Romulus Whitaker|doi=10.1093/trstmh/try130|journal=Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Oxford University|date=2019|volume=113|issue=12|pages=818–819|pmid=30551144|access-date=18 May 2024|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518080214/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30551144/|url-status=live}} In 2005, Rom Whitaker was given a Whitley Award and used the money to assist in setting up the Agumbe station.{{cite web|url=http://www.whitleyaward.org/winners.php|title=Our Winners|publisher=Whitley Fund for Nature|access-date=9 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723123337/http://www.whitleyaward.org/winners.php|archive-date=23 July 2011|df =dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ted.com/speakers/romulus_whitaker.html|title=Speakers Romulus Whitaker: Herpetologist|publisher=TED Conferences, LLC|access-date=30 August 2011|archive-date=29 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829190537/http://www.ted.com/speakers/romulus_whitaker.html|url-status=live}}
In 2011, the Crocodile Bank announced plans for the construction of a new frontage and satellite facility, followed by the redesign and construction of the display area including new enclosures with glass facades, walkways and interactive features. As per the new plan, estimated at {{INRconvert|100|m}}, the park would be divided into four areas corresponding to various geographies with thematic landscaping, interactive displays and signage. The plan included a separate gharial exhibit, entry plaza with a café, parking areas and an interpretation centre that houses small crocodiles, snakes, turtles and lizards on the upper level and underwater viewing of the largest saltwater crocodile exhibit in the park, on the lower level.{{cite news|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/03/07&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00200&ViewMode=HTML|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071841/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/03/07&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00200&ViewMode=HTML|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2016|title=A home away from home|first=Menon|last= Priya M.|newspaper=The Times of India|date=7 March 2013|access-date=17 March 2013}} In 2018, Whitaker was presented with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award by the Government of India.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1590:meet-rom-whitaker&catid=136:interviews|title=Meet Rom Whitaker|first=Bittu|last=Sahgal|magazine=Sanctuary Asia|date=December 2006|access-date=9 July 2011|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929115912/http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1590:meet-rom-whitaker&catid=136:interviews|url-status=live}} In 2020, the trust faced financial problems due to COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown.{{cite news|title=Coronavirus lockdown worry: Madras Crocodile Bank worried 2000 animals could starve|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/mar/30/coronavirus-lockdown-worry-madras-crocodile-bank-worried-2000-animals-could-starve-2123205.html|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=22 May 2020|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=21 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821080030/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/mar/30/coronavirus-lockdown-worry-madras-crocodile-bank-worried-2000-animals-could-starve-2123205.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=17 October 2020|title=How India's largest crocodile bank in Chennai is battling Covid-19|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/how-india-largest-crocodile-bank-in-chennai-is-battling-covid-19-6758847/|access-date=3 August 2021|newspaper=The Indian Express|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803155542/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/how-india-largest-crocodile-bank-in-chennai-is-battling-covid-19-6758847/|url-status=live}} The trust raised funds through crowd funding to mitigate the situation and for further planned developments.{{cite report|url=https://madrascrocodilebank.org/static/annual_reports/Annual%20Report%202021-2022.pdf|title=Annual Report 21-22|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=9 July 2023|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518080206/https://madrascrocodilebank.org/static/annual_reports/Annual%20Report%202021-2022.pdf|url-status=live}}
Organisation
File:CrocBank MapOnDisplay.jpg zoo; pictured is the map of the zoo.]]
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust was established in 1976 which runs a reptile zoo and herpetology research station. The centre is both a registered trust and a recognized zoo under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and comes under the purview of the Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.{{cite report|url=http://www.cza.nic.in/Status%20of%20Master%20Plan%20Submitted%20by%20Zoos.pdf|title=List of Zoos, whose Master Plan received till 31st March, 2011|publisher=CZA|access-date=29 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927231940/http://www.cza.nic.in/Status%20of%20Master%20Plan%20Submitted%20by%20Zoos.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://listofzoos.com/Madras+Crocodile+Bank+Trust|title=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, India|publisher=List of Zoos Worldwide|access-date=29 August 2011|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211033048/http://listofzoos.com/Madras+Crocodile+Bank+Trust|url-status=live}} The Crocodile Bank is situated on a {{cvt|8.5|acre}} stretch of land, located about {{cvt|40|km}} south of Chennai on the East Coast Road at Vadanemmeli near Thiruvidandhai, along the Bay of Bengal.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/at-vadanemmeli-a-spot-you-go-to-for-the-crocs-stay-on-for-the-trees/article67860025.ece|title=At Vadanemmeli, a spot you go to for the crocs, stay on for the trees|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 February 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518080206/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/at-vadanemmeli-a-spot-you-go-to-for-the-crocs-stay-on-for-the-trees/article67860025.ece|url-status=live}}
The bank runs three field bases namely Andaman and Nicobar Environmental Team at South Andaman, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station at Agumbe and Gharial Ecology Project in Chambal valley. The trust is affiliated with more than 47 institutions including The World Conservation Union (IUCN), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Marine Conservation Society and Smithsonian Institution. The trust manages a snake venom extraction center, operated by the Irula tribes.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-day-at-the-crocodile-bank/article3393743.ece|title=A day at the Crocodile Bank|date=6 July 2016|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518080214/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-day-at-the-crocodile-bank/article3393743.ece|url-status=live}}
Wildlife conservation
= Animal research and education =
The trust engages in research projects on reptiles and other educational programmes. The bank has served as a regional source of status information for the World Conservation Monitoring Centre and has hosted numerous international meetings of the IUCN Specialist Groups dealing with reptiles.{{cite book|title=Cocodrilos|publisher=International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources - Crocodile Specialist Group|year=1986|page=286}} The trust publishes a biannual herpetology journal called Hamadryad and is home to the largest library of herpetological literature in India.{{cite web|url=http://www.glo-wild.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30&Itemid=36|title=Glo-Wild at the Croc Bank|publisher=Glo-Wild|access-date=24 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214064948/http://www.glo-wild.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30&Itemid=36|archive-date=14 February 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Research in the field of herpetology within the bank has resulted in over 600 scientific publications, books, reports, newspaper and magazine articles and films.{{cite web|url=http://www.IndiaPR.com/pressrelease/environmental-services/2009091834006.pdf|title=Wildlife week celebrations at Madras Crocodile Bank|publisher=India PRwire|access-date=18 July 2011}}
The centre has hosted numerous local and international scientists and research specialists.{{cite report|url=https://www.thebhs.org/publications/the-herpetological-bulletin/issue-number-8-winter-1983/2149-hb008-02/file|title=Herpetology in India|author=Romulus Whitaker|publisher=British Herpetological Society Bulletin|page=19|access-date=18 May 2024|archive-date=17 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117231835/https://www.thebhs.org/publications/the-herpetological-bulletin/issue-number-8-winter-1983/2149-hb008-02/file|url-status=live}} In the early 1980s, Edward Moll of Eastern Illinois University did a study on turtles in India based out of the bank.{{cite book|title=Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles: An Action Plan for Their Conservation|publisher=IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group|year=1989|isbn=978-2-880-32974-7|page=33}} The bank's research biologists have since studied freshwater turtles in the Chambal River in Uttar Pradesh on a WWF grant with many species kept in the park as part of the centre's ongoing research program.{{cite web|url=http://www.seaturtlesofindia.org/organizations|title=Organisations|publisher=Sea Turtles of India|access-date=24 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118091225/http://www.seaturtlesofindia.org/organizations|archive-date=18 January 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://nytts.org/proceedings/whitakr2.htm|title=Captive Breeding of Indian Turtles and Tortoises at the Centre for Herpetology/Madras Crocodile Bank|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=24 September 2011|archive-date=30 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930020512/http://nytts.org/proceedings/whitakr2.htm|url-status=live}} The bank collaborated with J.W. Lang from University of North Dakota, to initiate a project for the study mugger crocodiles. The project was done in association with Romulus Whitaker and Harry Andrews and focused on reptile reproduction, egg incubation, and temperature-dependent sex determination.{{cite report|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321835977|title=Male Parental Care in Mugger Crocodiles|publisher=National Geographic|year=1986|access-date=1 December 2023}} In the 1990s, studies on breeding biology and growth of lizards was conducted.{{cite journal|author1=Siva Sundaresan|author2=Ranjit Daniels|url=https://wgbis.ces.iisc.ac.in/biodiversity/sahyadri/documents/title75ds.htm|title=Distribution and Abundance of Common lizards|journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|volume=94|date=August 1994|page=268}}
In 2001, the Crocodile Bank was awarded the Ford Conservation and Environmental Grant for project "Integrated Environment Education", a multi-lingual programme on reptile preservation to create environmental awareness.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2001/11/21/stories/0421401b.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221074051/http://www.hindu.com/2001/11/21/stories/0421401b.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 February 2011|title=Environmental grant for Crocodile Bank Trust|date=21 November 2001|access-date=24 September 2011|newspaper=The Hindu}} The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Team is focused on research and conservation of the bio-diversity in Andaman and Nicobar islands. The park conducts research into snake venom and mitigation of its effects in humans. The Agumbe research centre aids in study of venomous snakes and other organisms in the Western Ghats. The park conducts regular educational and outreach programmes.{{cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366598733|title=Multifaceted community health education programs as powerful tools to mitigate snakebite-induced deaths, disabilities, and socioeconomic burden|doi=10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100147|journal=Toxicon|date=March 2023|volume=7|author=Sakthivel Vaiyapuri and eight others|pmid=36632238 |pmc=9827049|bibcode=2023TxcnX..1700147V }}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/madras-crocodile-bank-takes-the-vr-route-to-education/article66076389.ece|title=Crocodiles go to school: Madras Crocodile Bank launches virtual education programmes|date=2 November 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=27 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527061658/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/madras-crocodile-bank-takes-the-vr-route-to-education/article66076389.ece|url-status=live}} The bank serves as a consultant on reptile management and conservation issues to multiple organisations and countries. The bank also runs an animal-adoption programme under which patrons can sponsor an animal housed at the center.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/article1573759.ece|title=Adopt us...save us|first=Rohini|last=Ramakrishnan|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 March 2011|access-date=24 September 2011}}
The Crocodile Bank has a veterinary care section which works with the maintenance staff to monitor the health and maintenance of the animals. Examination and treatment for various pathological and parasitical examinations are carried out on the animals. Unique identification numbers are assigned to individual animals with maintenance of health and medical records.{{cite web|url=https://madrascrocodilebank.org/ex_situ|title=At Croc Bank: Ex-situ|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=24 September 2023|archive-date=31 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331085311/http://madrascrocodilebank.org/ex_situ|url-status=live}} The trust also engages in training of veterinarians to help equip other research and conservation projects.{{cite web|url=https://turtlesurvival.org/news/chelonian-vet-workshop-hosted-in-india/|title=Chelonian Vet Workshop Hosted in India|publisher=Turtle Survival Alliance|date=12 September 2022|access-date=1 September 2023|archive-date=28 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928114251/https://turtlesurvival.org/news/chelonian-vet-workshop-hosted-in-india/|url-status=live}}
= Captive breeding =
File:Crocodile and its shadow.jpg gharials since 1989.]]
The trust was established for breeding crocodiles, has bred over 5000 crocodiles and is the largest breeding centre in India.{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1922923|title=Four volumes of Newsletter (EIACP)|date=9 May 2023|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=17 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517172428/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1922923|url-status=live}} The park is one of the centres for breeding the critically endangered gharials and has been successfully breeding the species since 1989.{{cite web|url=http://envis.maharashtra.gov.in/envis_data/files/Crocodile/CrocIndScen.html|title=Crocodile Conservation - Indian Scenario|publisher=Environment Department, Government of Maharashtra|access-date=30 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929175409/http://envis.maharashtra.gov.in/envis_data/files/Crocodile/CrocIndScen.html|archive-date=29 September 2011}}{{cite journal|title=Conservation of the Indian Gharial Gavialis gangeticus: Successes and Failures|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269286880|date=January 2015|journal=International Zoo Yearbook|volume=49|issue=1|doi=10.1111/izy.12066|author=C. J. Stevenson|pages=150–161 }}{{cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322625731|title=Conservation of the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Chennai, India|date=January 2010|journal=The Herptile|volume=35|author1=Steven Piggott|author2=Todd R. Lewis|author3=Paul Greig-Smith}} The park breeds other two species of crocodiles from India, mugger and salt-water crocodiles from 1983.{{cite web|url=http://wiienvis.nic.in/crocodile/zoo.htm|title=Ex-Situ conservation - 1, Crocodile Breeding in Indian Zoos|first=B.C.|last=Choudhury|publisher=Environmantal Information System India|access-date=4 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410044344/http://wiienvis.nic.in/crocodile/zoo.htm|archive-date=10 April 2009}} It has also been breeding other exotic crocodile species such as Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) and Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis).{{cite report|url=https://zoosprint.org/index.php/zp/article/download/4376/3846|title=Role of zoos in the conservation of reptiles in India|author=L N Autharjyo|year=2000|access-date=1 December 2023|page=1}} In 2010, the bank also bred the rare false gharial, a species listed as endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ai-to-ferry-bride-for-crocodile-psycho-to/607132/|title=AI to ferry bride for crocodile 'Psycho' to Chennai|newspaper=The Indian Express|publisher=Indian Express|date=16 April 2010|access-date=4 September 2011}} The trust has been involved in re-introducing crocodiles to the wild and various zoo exchange programmes.{{cite web|url=https://indiabiodiversity.org/group/Croc_Bank|title=Croc Bank|work=India biodiversity|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518092838/https://indiabiodiversity.org/group/Croc_Bank|url-status=live}} The government stopped the release of captive bred crocodiles into the wild in 1994, which led to the number of crocodiles increasing at the park. As no methods have been evolved to sterilize the crocodiles, the increasing numbers resulted in nearly one thousand animals being relocated to Gujarat in 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-63740095|title=Chennai: Transfer of 1,000 India crocodiles raises thorny question|date=3 December 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|work=BBC News|archive-date=28 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928182248/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-63740095|url-status=live}}
The bank also breeds turtles, snakes and other reptiles. It is a coordinating zoo of the Central Zoo Authority of India for the breeding programmes for endangered species, including rock python, king cobra and Ganges softshell turtle, as per the National Zoo Policy adopted by the Government of India in 1988.{{cite web|url=http://envfor.nic.in/cza/end.htm|title=Role of Zoos in Conservation of Endangered Species|publisher=Central Zoo Authority|access-date=4 September 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814051454/http://envfor.nic.in/cza/end.htm|archive-date=14 August 2011}} It has been breeding cane turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica) and Travancore tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) since the 1980s.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.sanctuarynaturefoundation.org/article/viji%2C-the-turtle-girl|title=Viji, the turtle girl|magazine=Sanctuary Asia|date=June 2006|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205225417/https://sanctuarynaturefoundation.org/article/viji%2C-the-turtle-girl|url-status=live}} In May 2004, the bank successfully bred one of the world's most critically endangered turtles, the red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga), for the first time ever in captivity.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/crocodile-bank-breeds-rare-painted-roof-turtle/articleshow/2981103.cms|title=Crocodile Bank breeds rare, painted roof turtle|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=18 July 2023|date=25 April 2008|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518094340/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/crocodile-bank-breeds-rare-painted-roof-turtle/articleshow/2981103.cms|url-status=live}} Some of the turtles were sent to Uttar Pradesh to be introduced into the wild.{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-23/special-report/27903506_1_mysore-zoo-director-of-vandalur-zoo-cza/2|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913042707/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-23/special-report/27903506_1_mysore-zoo-director-of-vandalur-zoo-cza/2|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 September 2012|title=Adopt an animal, save endangered species|first=Priya|last=Menon|date=23 November 2008|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=4 September 2011}}{{cite news|url=https://studbooks.eu/news/re-introduction-of-kachuga-kachuga/|title=Reintroduction of Kachuga|date=23 June 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923040725/https://studbooks.eu/news/re-introduction-of-kachuga-kachuga/|url-status=live}} The trust has been involved in engaging local community and education for the conservation of olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).{{cite journal|title=Conservation of Olive Ridley turtles in Madras|url=https://www.seaturtlesofindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Shanker-K.-2003.-Conservation-of-the-olive-ridley-turtle-in-Madras-Thirty-years-and-counting.-Herpinstance-11-5-6..pdf|author=Shanker K|year=2003|journal=Herpinstance|volume=1|page=1|access-date=18 May 2024|archive-date=6 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806012807/https://www.seaturtlesofindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Shanker-K.-2003.-Conservation-of-the-olive-ridley-turtle-in-Madras-Thirty-years-and-counting.-Herpinstance-11-5-6..pdf|url-status=live}} The Crocodile Bank is a nodal point for captive breeding of endangered pythons in the country, especially the Indian rock python (Python molurus) and reticulated python (Python reticulatus).{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/22/stories/2005042216000800.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050428043805/http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/22/stories/2005042216000800.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 April 2005|title=Chennai may become a python-breeding hub|first=Vani|last=Doraisamy|date=22 April 2005|access-date=24 September 2011|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai}}
The park is home to the few approved snake venom extraction centres in India, the Irula Snake Catchers' Industrial Cooperative Society, which also conducts venom extraction shows for the public at its snake farm.{{cite web|url =http://www.civilsocietyonline.com/nov09/nov094.asp|title=Irulas want big role in venom industry|work =civilsocietyonline.com|publisher=Civil Society|date =November 2009|access-date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707151434/http://www.civilsocietyonline.com/nov09/nov094.asp|archive-date=7 July 2011|url-status=dead|df =dmy-all}}{{cite web|url =http://ssc.undp.org/uploads/media/Snake_Venom.pdf|title=The Irula tribal snake venom extraction cooperative|publisher=United Nations Development Programme|access-date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717154328/http://ssc.undp.org/uploads/media/Snake_Venom.pdf|archive-date=17 July 2010|url-status=dead|df =dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2005/11/25/stories/2005112514750200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227223438/http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/25/stories/2005112514750200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 December 2007|title=A new job on hand for Irulas|first=P.|last=Oppili|date=25 November 2005|access-date=10 July 2011|newspaper=The Hindu}} The cooperative society was officially registered on 19 December 1978, and venom extraction was started on 16 December 1982.{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2008/11/24/stories/2008112454360400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004074946/http://hindu.com/2008/11/24/stories/2008112454360400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 October 2012|title=Show-cause notice to Irula snake catchers' society|first=P.|last=Oppili|date=24 November 2008|access-date=10 July 2011|newspaper=The Hindu}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article16004.ece|title=Not a charmed life for snake catchers at work|first=P.|last=Oppili|newspaper=The Hindu|date=6 November 2009|access-date=10 July 2011|archive-date=25 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225042810/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article16004.ece|url-status=live}} Started with 26 members, the membership of the society rose to 350 by 2001.{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/02/0225_030225_Indiansnakes.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030226202505/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/02/0225_030225_Indiansnakes.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 February 2003|title=India Snake Hunters Find Antidote to Joblessness|first=Pallava|last=Bagla|publisher=National Geographic Society|date=25 February 2003|access-date=10 July 2011}} As of 2022, it is the largest venom-producing center in India, contributing to 80% of the venom extracted.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/slip-sliding-away-venom-extraction-in-tamil-nadu/article67574621.ece|title=Slip sliding away: venom extraction in Tamil Nadu|date=26 November 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201110334/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/slip-sliding-away-venom-extraction-in-tamil-nadu/article67574621.ece|url-status=live}}
Exhibition
The bank hosts one of the largest reptilian zoos in the world.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/03/science/saving-the-crocodile-and-putting-on-a-spectacular-show.html?n=Top%2fNews%2fScience%2fTopics%2fAnimals|title=Saving the Crocodile and Putting on a Spectacular Show|work=The New York Times|access-date=30 August 2011|first=Stephen|last=Kinzer|date=3 February 1998|archive-date=13 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513042929/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/03/science/saving-the-crocodile-and-putting-on-a-spectacular-show.html?n=Top%2fNews%2fScience%2fTopics%2fAnimals|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/article2081323.ece|title=When eyes shine at night and foxes fly|last=Ramakrishnan|first=Rohini|newspaper=The Hindu|date=6 June 2011|access-date=30 August 2011|location=Chennai|archive-date=12 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812000237/http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/article2081323.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/a-retreat-for-reptiles/article4047306.ece|title=A retreat for reptiles|last=Karthikeyan|first=Aparna|newspaper=The Hindu|date=30 October 2012|access-date=2 Nov 2012|location=Chennai|archive-date=5 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005115939/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/a-retreat-for-reptiles/article4047306.ece|url-status=live}} As of 2024, the park had 15 species of crocodiles including three critically endangered species and 33 other reptilian species.{{cite web|url=https://madrascrocodilebank.org/|title=Overview|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=14 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514172735/https://madrascrocodilebank.org/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=India's largest croc bank to welcome more crocs|work=Zee News|date=11 September 2011|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/eco-news/india-s-largest-croc-bank-to-welcome-more-crocs_730948.html|access-date=15 January 2012|archive-date=23 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523094734/http://zeenews.india.com/news/eco-news/india-s-largest-croc-bank-to-welcome-more-crocs_730948.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wildlifeconsult.com/wildlife-adventure/crocodile-bank-south-india.html|title=Crocodile Bank|publisher=Wildlife Consult|access-date=18 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301101904/http://www.wildlifeconsult.com/wildlife-adventure/crocodile-bank-south-india.html|archive-date=1 March 2012|url-status=dead}} The park is divided into four areas corresponding to various geographies namely, Asia, Americas, Amazon and Africa, with thematic landscaping and signage.{{cite report|url=https://cza.nic.in/uploads/documents/zoos/layout/english/madras%20crocodile%20updated.pdf|title=Madras Crocodile Bank layout|publisher=Central zoo authority|access-date=1 December 2023}} Apart from the crocodiles, there are various snakes including pythons, anacondas and boas, turtles and tortoises including Aldabra giant tortoises, lizards and piranhas.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200709181140.htm|title=Crocodile Bank to procure green anacondas|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 September 2007|access-date=24 September 2011|archive-date=10 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110071028/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200709181140.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wildlifewatch.in/news/india/81.html|title=Green anacondas to find home in Madras Crocodile Bank|publisher=Wildlife Watch India|access-date=24 September 2011|archive-date=25 August 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130825064620/http://www.wildlifewatch.in/news/india/81.html|url-status=live}} Four Komodo dragons have been acquired from Bronx Zoo in New York.{{cite news|title=A date with the dragons|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-date-with-komodo-dragons-in-chennai/article8489511.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 April 2016|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419044601/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-date-with-komodo-dragons-in-chennai/article8489511.ece|url-status=live}} The bank also functions as a natural shelter for a variety of birds, enabling bird-watching.{{cite news|last=Frederick|first=Prince|title=Birds attract visitors to croc bank|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|date=24 March 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/birds-attract-visitors-to-croc-bank/article4542373.ece|access-date=30 March 2013|archive-date=26 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326174608/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/birds-attract-visitors-to-croc-bank/article4542373.ece|url-status=live}} The bank also operates a night safari on weekends.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/17/stories/2008071754440600.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719170422/http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/17/stories/2008071754440600.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 July 2008|title=Madras Crocodile Bank to launch night safari|first=P.|last=Oppili|date=17 July 2008
|access-date=24 September 2011|newspaper=The Hindu}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/the-crocodile-who-yawned/article24219479.ece|title=Go on a night safari at the Madras Crocodile Bank|date=22 June 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518094835/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/the-crocodile-who-yawned/article24219479.ece|url-status=live}}
;Breakdown of exhibited species
File:CrocBank CrocsOnDisplay.jpg
File:CrocBank SpecimenBoard.jpg
File:India_DSCN0349_(15380636462).jpg at the park]]
File:Gharial and Turtle at the Crocodile Bank - Mamallapuram - India.JPG
Reptile stock at the Crocodile Bank as on 1 April 2011 is as follows:{{cite report|url=http://www.madrascrocodilebank.org/cms/wp-content/themes/mcbt/annualreport_2010-2011.pdf|title=Annual Report 2010-2011|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=1 October 2012|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120515062846/http://www.madrascrocodilebank.org/cms/wp-content/themes/mcbt/annualreport_2010-2011.pdf|archive-date=15 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite report|title=MCBT/Herpetology Center - Annual Report 2012-2013|url=http://www.madrascrocodilebank.org/cms/wp-content/themes/mcbt/MCBT-Annual%20Report-2012-13-KMM.pdf#page=6|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=10 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718192042/http://www.madrascrocodilebank.org/cms/wp-content/themes/mcbt/MCBT-Annual%20Report-2012-13-KMM.pdf#page=6|archive-date=18 July 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all }}
Financials and patronage
As of 2021-22, the trust declared revenues of {{INRconvert|4.22|c}} against an expenditure of {{INRconvert|5.26|c}}. The trust gets about one-third of revenues from ticketing at the zoo with other income coming through research grants (23%), donations (12%), educational programmes (11%) among others. The trust spends 30% of the expenditure on wages followed by 23% for research. Other major costs include interest on capital and reptile feeding. The park recorded about 0.42 million annual visitors from April 2018 to March 2019.{{cite report|title=Annual Report 2018-19|url=https://madrascrocodilebank.org/static/annual_reports/Annual%20Report-%202018-19.pdf|publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank|access-date=1 December 2023}} Post opening of the park after the Covid-induced lockdown, about 0.15 million visitors were recorded from September 2021 to March 2022 with an average monthly footfall of 21,400.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website|http://www.madrascrocodilebank.org}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20091128084509/http://www.cza.nic.in/index.html Official website of: "Central Zoo Authority of India" (CZA), Government of India]
- [http://www.anetindia.org/index.html Official website of: Andaman and Nicobar Environmental Team Centre for Island Ecology]
{{Zoos of India}}
{{Chennai Topics}}
{{Kanchipuram district}}{{Portal bar|India|Animals|Environment}}
Category:Tourist attractions in Chennai
Category:Zoology organizations
Category:Herpetology organizations
Category:Organizations established in 1976