International Journal Of Forest, Animal And Fisheries Research(IJFAF)

Climatic variables — especially air temperature, precipitation patterns, and river flow regimes — are critical drivers of crocodilian biology and demography. In North India, the two primary crocodilian taxa of conservation concern are the mugger (Crocodylus palustris) and the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). Climate-driven changes influence nesting success, incubation temperatures (and therefore sex ratios via temperature-dependent sex determination), habitat availability through altered river hydrology and flooding regimes, and physiological stress. Here we synthesize recent literature and propose a research framework to quantify climate impacts on crocodilians in North India. Key findings from the literature indicate that (1) incubation temperature strongly influences sex determination in crocodilians, (2) altered river flows and flood regimes can both create and destroy suitable nesting/foraging habitats, and (3) anthropogenic habitat disturbance combined with climatic extremes increases physiological stress and mortality risk. We provide recommendations for monitoring, habitat management, and modelling approaches to inform conservation planning under future climate scenarios.