Largest reptile bank in US seeks to import gharials, mugger crocodiles from India; here's why

The largest reptile bank in the US based in Arizona has applied to the federal government to import six gharials and another equal number of mugger crocodiles from Tamil Nadu, which it says would help preserve these endangered species.

The Phoenix Herpetological Society has applied for permission from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, according to a federal notification issued on Monday under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The federal government has asked for public comments on this matter, PTI reported.

According to the federal notification, the Phoenix Herpetological Society has requested a permit to import three male and three female captive-bred gharials ( Gavialis gangeticus ) and three male and three female captive-bred mugger crocodile ( Crocodylus palustris kimbula and Crocodylus palustris palustris ) from Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in Chennai.

This is for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. “This notification is for a single import,” it said, asking the general public to send in their comments by 16 August.

With inputs from PTI