11 Oct 2007, 1243 hrs IST,PTI
PANAJI: Marsh crocodiles, who once "fought wars" to save Goa from being captured by Portuguese rulers are now facing extinction due to increased poaching, environmentalists feel.
"The crocodile sightings have drastically reduced in the recent times. The reasons could surely be habitat destruction and poaching", Nirmal Kulkarni, an environmentalist, who has been closely following these reptiles, said.
Cumbharjua-Banastarim canal, part of Mhadei river in north Goa near here, has been the habitat of these crocodiles, which led a 'naval warfare' during famous Banastarim battle in 1511.
"They were used twice, first in 1510 and 1511, when Adil Shah of Bijapur made the last ditch attempt to save his territory (parts of Goa) from Portuguese, Prajal Sakhardande, a historian said.
Post-1510 and 1511 battle, Portuguese had their second conquest in the form of Tiswadi Island and Banastarim fort.
Crocodiles played major role in the battle. The soldiers who used to walk on a temporary wooden bridge which connected them to the fort were thrown in the water so that they are attacked by these reptiles, said Sakhardande.
This warfare technique was unique to Adil Shah, he said. Interestingly, these crocodiles and their warrior spirit also finds place in the Goan folklore.
"The folklore confirms these crocodiles were specially brought in to be used in warfare. But I think they must be already existing in Goan waters and were used as warriors as they were natural inhabitants here," the historian commented.
Since Goa managed to attain liberation in 1961, these crocodiles which were ostensibly a part of the history, gave been facing increasing risk of extinction.
"There is no exact figure of these crocodiles left but I feel they must not be around two dozen of them," Kulkarni said.
Almost three metres in length, these marsh crocodile have olive brown colour with yellowish white underbelly.
"They usually spend the day basking on the banks or rocks ready to slip into the waters on slight disturbance, and look spectacular with their open mouths and listless bodies simmering in the afternoon sun," says Kulkarni.
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Another species on its way out.
