Prey Availability and Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) Habitat Use in the Moyar River

Prey availability can influence factors such as movement and distribution patterns of predators, especially in aquatic systems. Crocodilians are considered to be apex predators of freshwater ecosystems, yet little is known about the influence of prey availability on their habitat utilization. This study aims to measure the influence of prey availability (fish biomass) and abiotic features on the habitat utilization of adult mugger crocodiles in the Moyar river. Fish biomass was quantified using CPUE cast netting method and habitat was characterized along crocodile survey transects. Poisson generalized linear mixed models were used to assess direction and magnitude of effects of variables on crocodile habitat use. Model selection revealed that fish biomass was the best fit model for crocodile encounter rates (ß = 0.592 ± 0.146), with crocodile counts increasing in areas with higher fish abundance. Additionally, Standardized Manly’s Indices indicate that banks with sandy substrates were observed to be the most preferred substrate utilized by crocodiles for basking. These findings highlight the role of prey availability in shaping crocodile habitat use on a finer scale, the importance of continuous monitoring of crocodile habitats, and could potentially inform further management protocols for other species of crocodilians.