The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : New arrivals at Crocodile Bank

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Sunday, Feb 10, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

New arrivals at Crocodile Bank

P.Oppili

Photo: V. Ganesan

IN ONE SWALLOW: The Caiman Lizard feeding on a snail at the Crocodile Bank. — .

CHENNAI: Four Aldabra Giant Tortoises and an equal number of Caiman Lizards, bred in captivity, are the new attractions at Crocodile Bank on the East Coast Road.

The new reptiles were received under an animal exchange programme, said Payal Narain, Projects Co-ordinator, Crocodile Bank. The reptiles were obtained from Prague Zoo in exchange for seven Gharials sent from here, she said. Both the tortoises and the lizards are four years old.

The Caiman Lizards are a semi-aquatic species and can grow up to 90 cm.

Caiman lizards are found in the vicinity of rivers and streams where they feed exclusively on marsh snails. They crush the shells of snail with their powerful jaws and flattened teeth, said Nikhil Whitaker, Curator of the Bank.

Talking about the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Ms. Narain said the creatures were found only in Sychelles. An extremely large species, a well grown Aldabra could weigh up to 310 kg. Growth rings would be visible in younger animals at the rate of two rings a year.

Once mature, the shell surface would become smooth and even.

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