If you wish to get a shot of adrenaline, Goa packs in some adventures; one such is heading upstream to catch a glimpse of the mighty Crocodile .En route, it packs in the local surroundings of the beautiful scenic islands of Chorao and Divar. Further beautifying the trip are sights like Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, with some very special flat-bottom ferries. The flora and fauna on this trip are amazing.
The Crocodiles of Cumbarjua Canal
According to John Rodrigues of John’s Boat Tours, there are basically two places in Goa that Mugger crocodiles inhabit: the Opa River and the brackish waters of Cumbarjua. In essence, the Cumbarjua canal is a 15 km long waterway linking the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. It has a population of 40-50 Mugger crocodiles. These crocodiles are more dangerous than their saltwater relatives. Most of the time they are spotted on the banks of the village of Cumbarjua.
A Unique Mangrove Habitat
The Cumbarjua canal is a thriving mangrove habitat. That has spawned fish, prawns, and mollusks; it is home to birdlife and crocodiles. In the village of Durbhatwadi along the canal, these crocodiles have been worshipped as guardian spirits during a festival termed “Maange Thapanee” in January.
John’s Boat Tours
Exciting experience to follow John’s Boat Tours for a close shot at these crocodiles but cause no disturbance. John has the boat tour that chugs along the Mandovi River and then takes a water channel to join the Zuari River. You will pass through the swampy marshlands of Chorao Island.
Crocodile Behaviour and Habitat
The Cumbarjua crocodiles were habituated to human presence. If anyone comes too close, they will simply jump into the water and swim away. Cold-blooded, these crocodiles need to spend a considerable amount of time in the sun to keep themselves warm. You could see them sunbathing on the muddy shores of the canal. They were pretty well camouflaged; their greyish-brown skin easily blended with the mud banks.
Life of Cumbarjua Crocodiles
What is unique about the Mugger crocodiles of Cumbarjua is that they are fresh-water crocodiles. Who have adapted themselves to the saline mangrove ecosystem. These crocodiles are scavengers, and so they feed on sick fish, birds, crabs, dogs, cats, and sometimes even buffaloes or deer. They can remain in the water for an hour at one stretch without breathing and only need to eat once in two weeks.
They lay their eggs in a pit away from the edge of the water, guarded by the mother. Out of about 30 eggs, only a few hatchlings survive because of predators. A full-grown adult can grow to 4 meters in length. They utter a dog-like bark or a low bellow.
The Attraction of Cumbarjua Canal
Now Cumbarjua canal is attributed with many charms. Meandering rivers, whispering mangroves, wild crocodiles, peregrine falcons, white-collared kingfishers, and varieties of butterflies. Many tourists, travellers, and nature lovers have been attracted to this bio-diverse area.
Conclusion
Crocodile spotting in Goa with John’s Boat Tours is for the brave-hearted. It is an honourably exciting experience to watch these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. So, step on board one of John’s vessels and take a ride through the beautiful backwaters of Goa.
