Port Blair(Sri Vijaya Puram): Two saltwater crocodiles turning up alarmingly close to human habitation in areas designated as ‘Crocodile Free Zones’ have triggered an urgent human-wildlife conflict response in South Andaman, with Forest Department teams mounting round-the-clock surveillance before capturing and relocating both reptiles.
The back-to-back sightings at Kadakachang Nallah under Mannarghat Range and Ograbraj Killan under Tushnabad Range on September 23 raised concerns over the safety of residents, prompting the Forest Department to immediately deploy field teams and alert people living nearby.
The first crocodile was spotted at Kadakachang Nallah around noon. Barely half an hour later, another crocodile—measuring approximately two metres—was sighted close to human habitation at Ograbraj Killan.
With the reptiles found in areas not designated for crocodile presence and in proximity to people, the South Andaman Forest Division sought the Chief Wildlife Warden’s authorisation for their capture and relocation, treating the sightings as a potential human-crocodile conflict situation.
The first operation was carried out at Kadakachang Nallah at around 11 am on September 24, when the crocodile was safely captured.
At Ograbraj Killan, forest personnel kept an uninterrupted vigil as the second crocodile remained under watch. After hours of monitoring, the reptile was captured at approximately 5:45 am on September 25.
Both crocodiles were subsequently shifted to the Biological Park, Chidiyatapu, bringing the immediate threat near the habitation areas under control. No untoward incident was reported during either operation.
The Forest Department said the incidents highlighted the growing importance of early reporting, rapid intervention and sustained monitoring in preventing encounters between people and potentially dangerous wildlife.
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Local residents also played a crucial role by promptly informing the authorities about the sightings, enabling field teams to respond before the situation escalated.
The Department has appealed to residents to remain alert and immediately report any crocodile or other potentially dangerous wild animal spotted near habitation. People have been specifically advised against approaching, disturbing or attempting to capture such animals, as any such intervention could increase the risk of an encounter.
For immediate assistance, residents can contact the nearest Forest Department office or the Forest Department Helpline at 03192-255228.
Alternative punchier caption:
“Two crocodiles, two habitation zones, one close call: Forest teams move fast to avert human-wildlife conflict.”
