A New Home for Crocodilians: Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary Welcomes Guests

The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary (PHS) has just unveiled a remarkable addition to its family. Six Gharials and six Mugger Crocodiles are about to become part of the sanctuary's royal inhabitants, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts.

Key Points:

• Unprecedented Presence: PHS will be hosting six out of the 33 Gharials engaged in the Species Survival Plan across the United States, magnifying its role in preserving these endangered species.
• From Two to Six: Prior to this momentous arrival, only two Mugger Crocodiles were known in the United States.
• Future Initiatives: To support the well-being of these reptiles, the sanctuary plans to launch a sponsorship program. This endeavor aims to alleviate the costs of renovating their living enclosures, encouraging individuals and organizations to partake in their conservation.

Habitat Creation

Debbie Gibson, Vice President of PHS, expressed the sanctuary's commitment to recreating natural habitats for these majestic creatures. Envisioned habitats will encompass sandy beaches, lush foliage, and meticulously regulated heating systems within the ponds, ensuring ideal living conditions.

Species Insights

Gharials:

• Size and Diet: Females grow to 8 to 10 feet, while males can attain lengths of about 13 feet. Their diet consists of fish, insects, frogs, and crustaceans.
• Distinctive Adaptations: Gharials possess a long, narrow snout specifically designed for capturing and consuming fish. They are also known as gavials or fish-eating crocodiles.

Mugger Crocodiles:

• Origins and Characteristics: Indigenous to southern Iran and the Indian subcontinent, these crocodiles are of medium size. Females typically measure 6 to 8 feet, while males reach approximately 15 feet or less.
• Varied Diet and Behavior: Their diet includes fish, snakes, turtles, birds, and mammals. Impressively, they have displayed tool usage in hunting birds by balancing sticks on their heads, seen as nesting materials.

This tale of conservation and dedication at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary promises an exciting chapter in safeguarding these extraordinary reptiles.