VADODARA/ ANAND: The wetlands of lush green Anand and Kheda, the twin districts which are popularly known as Charotar belt of Gujarat , are home to at least 159 crocodiles.This is what the sixth Charotar crocodile count, a unique citizen science initiative, to know the number of reptiles in this belt.The Voluntary Nature Conservancy (formerly known as Vidyanagar Nature Club), which had organized the three days crocodile count between January 4 and January 6, believes that although its volunteers could sight 159 crocodiles against 131 that were counted last year.“In the fourth crocodile count, we had sighted around 200 crocodiles. Last year, during the fifth crocodile count, our volunteers had counted 131 reptiles because almost all the water bodies were brimming with water. This time, we have been able to count 159 crocodiles,” said Dhaval Patel, managing trustee of VNC, adding that like the last count, during this count as well, the reptiles were spread over an area of 1,300 sq km of the twin districts.“Since, all these water bodies are inter-connected, the reptiles keep on moving between the water bodies. There is also a slight difference in numbers that get during the count because of vegetation that surrounds the water bodies,” he said.Of the 24 water bodies that were surveyed in 22 villages, the maximum number of crocodiles – 68 – in all were sighted at Deva village in Anand district . During the last count too Deva had maximum number of crocodiles – 59 – that were counted in its water body.After Deva, the maximum number of crocodiles – 16 - were sighted in water body of Malataj followed by 14 in Petli.VNC has been roping in citizens from across the country to spread awareness about the co-existence of wildlife and humans – a unique feature of Charotar - which is otherwise missing in other parts of the globe.“Our counts have revealed that it is not because of religious belief that people in Charotar protect crocodiles. They protect crocodiles because they love the reptiles,” he said.The crocodile count was carried out with the help of 110 volunteers from 13 states of the country and even a masters student from United States. Eminent herpetologist and Padma Shree awardee Romulus Whitaker who had remained present at the concluding session of the count that was hosted by the Charotar University of Science and Technology also appreciated the efforts made by citizens of Charotar.

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