Marsh Crocodile (Gando) – Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran
Photo by Shayan Ghiaseddin
The main habitat of marsh crocodile is in the furthermost areas of southeast of Iran, in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. The approximate range is from Sarbaz River and Bahoukalat up to Oman Sea and it can be found in some areas of Chabahar, Sarbaz and Nikshahr counties as well, the region is known as Gando protected area (Bahoukalat).
The marsh crocodile is a carnivorous reptile and ambush hunter, however, the villagers have no fear of dealing with it.
The height of this Iranian crocodile is up to 4 meters but it is mostly about 2.5 to 3 meters. The male crocodile grows larger than female one. The maturity age for the female crocodile is 8 years old and for the male one is 10 years old.
Marsh Crocodile (Gando) – Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran
Photo by Shayan Ghiaseddin
The laying time is approximately at the beginning of the spring. The average number of eggs is about 25 ones and they take about 50 to 75 days to hatch.
Apart from the natural resources of water, the natives of Baluchestan region create some pools in the village to preserve the water obtained from rain, these pools are called “Hootak”. The crocodiles use these artificial ponds as their habitat. The natives of Baluchestan believe that crocodile is the symbol of water availability and its cleanness and hence they respect this reptile.