Owing to the lack of space to accommodate the growing population of crocodile, the Crocodile Conservation Farm in Phuentshogling had stopped artificial incubation of crocodile eggs, three years back.
The farm’s caretaker, Ram Bahadur Chettri, says relocation would be an option to accommodate the growing number of crocodiles and visitors alike. During weekends, the number of visitors ranges from 150-200.
A proposal for relocation has already been put up to the Forest Department by the Geadu Forest Division. The Geadu Forest Division looks after the farm.
As of now, the farm, constructed in an area of 36 decimals, accommodates 38 crocodiles and Garula –two different species of the reptile.
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Ram Bahadur added that every mating season, each female crocodile lay around 70 eggs. None of these eggs are incubated mainly due to lack of space in the farm.
He said if the farm could be extended or relocated in an area with 2 to 3 acres of land, it would be convenient to breed the reptiles.
“If we had enough space, we could also bring in other animals to turn the place into a proper zoo. Moreover, this place is very suitable for tourist attraction but now the land nearby belongs to private individuals so I don’t think the extension of the farm in this area is possible.”
The Conservation programme was first established in 1976.
