Anecdotal observations of 'double clutching' behaviour in captive Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris)

Animals modulate their behaviours in accordance with their local environment and in the process, undergo different behavioural and physiological adaptations to better survive in a given ecosystem. One such behaviour that plays an important role in survival and sustenance of a species is the breeding behaviour. In this article, we present anecdotal information on breeding strategies of Marsh or Mugger crocodiles. Mugger crocodiles mostly lay single clutch during a year and have an elongated courtship and mating period lasting for 3-4 months. However, we show anecdotal data covering a period of 2 years for a Mugger crocodile producing double clutches annually under captive conditions. The laying of multiple clutches in captive Mugger crocodiles may indicate higher nutritional status and/or breeding strategies of the females under resourceful conditions. We suggest the need for future work on understanding proximate mechanisms underlying the 'double clutching' behaviour of Mugger crocodiles.