• Karthik P
• Sophia Joseph V.
• Dr.John C.Mathew
• Mr.Sumith Satheendran S.

Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus Palustris) are the keystone species of freshwater ecosystem. Wayanad holds a considerable population of Mugger crocodiles starting from Panamaram, Mananthavady River till Kabini River at Kerala-Karnataka border. Using GIS, the habitat of Muggers was mapped and changes analyzed. The habitat was mapped from Google Earth Satellite images and the entire stretch accounted to an area of 400.11 ha. During the breeding season, areas of 157.63 were utilized by the crocodiles. Riparian cover which acts as a major sink in freshwater ecosystem were also mapped and the changes occurred to the cover between 2 time intervals 2006 and 2016) were mapped. About 36.40 per cent of very high density riparian cover has changed to 20.38 per cent in the 2016. Also, open space increased from 16.90 per cent to 47.55 per cent. Disturbance Zonation mapping were done to identify regions with high and least disturbances. Highly populated regions of Mananthavady and Panamaram had the greatest disturbance when compared to Palvelicham, Kuruva and Perikallur regions. Proper Management practices need to be implemented in these regions for the protection of the species and its habitat.

Mugger crocodiles, Wayanad, GIS, Habitat, Riparian cover, Disturbance zonation mapping

"Habitat Mapping of Mugger Crocodiles Along Kabini River Basin of Wayanad District, Kerala Using Geospatial Technology", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.325-337, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907U75.pdf

"Habitat Mapping of Mugger Crocodiles Along Kabini River Basin of Wayanad District, Kerala Using Geospatial Technology", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp325-337, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907U75.pdf