Kadaba: Crocodile’s death linked to plastic consumption

Team Udayavani, Apr 14, 2024, 8:46 AM IST

Subrahmanya: The death of a crocodile in the Kumaradhara River at Pulikukku bridge near Kadaba has sparked concerns over the impact of plastic pollution on aquatic life. During the postmortem examination, conducted by Kadaba Veterinary Officer Dr. Ajith, it was revealed that the crocodile had ingested over 1 kg of plastic and other waste.

The crocodile’s stomach contained a mixture of plastic, chicken waste, and children’s diaper pants, indicating a disturbing trend of waste accumulation in the river ecosystem. While the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, it is suspected that the ingestion of plastic and subsequent indigestion played a significant role.

First Recorded Case in the Region

This incident marks the first recorded case in the region of a crocodile’s death attributed to plastic consumption, raising alarm bells among conservationists and wildlife officials. The deceased crocodile, identified as a female approximately 3-4 years old, was discovered near Kodimbala village in the Panja zone forest area on Friday.

Following the postmortem examination, officials from the Subrahmanya Forest Sub Division and Panja Zonal Forest disposed the carcass after following the necessary procedures at the Enekallu nursery area.

Urgent Need for Action

The incident also sheds light on the broader issue of waste management and river pollution plaguing Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Rampant dumping of waste, particularly around river areas and bridges, poses a severe threat to aquatic life, including fish and other species.

With plastic pollution already wreaking havoc in marine environments, its adverse effects on river ecosystems highlight the pressing need for stricter regulations and enforcement measures. Out of the three crocodile species in the country, two are classified as endangered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, emphasizing the need for proactive conservation efforts.

Local administrations must prioritize the prevention of waste dumping in rivers and seas to safeguard the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. The tragic demise of the crocodile serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent action required to mitigate the harmful effects of plastic pollution and protect the biodiversity of our water bodies.