Distributed range & status
These crocodiles are widely spread in dry zone low lands of Sri Lanka. But hunting for skin & alternation of habitats had reduced populations of species to around 1200 individuals. The ranges of species are extended from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, & Pakistan also in southern & eastern Iran & Indo-China. It's known as the most common crocodile in India & also the only crocodile found in Iran & Pakistan.

Scales
Dorsal shield is well separated from the nuchal. The two median scutes are broader than long. The scutes are found in 16-17 longitudinal series usually four or rarely six. There are 16-17 rows of dorsal scales on the trunk. Postoccipital scutes are absent. Scales on the limbs are keeled.

Characteristics
It's a large growing crocodile having a rough head without ridges in front of eyes bearing a concave forehead. It contains a heavy snout 1 1/3 to 11/2 long & becomes broad at the base. A square is formed by four large nuchels with smaller nuchel on each side. Behind the occiput on a transverse series two pairs of smaller nuchals are present.Fingers are webbed at the base, with outer toes which are extensively webbed. There is a serrated fringe on the outer edge of the leg.

Colour
The adult contains a colour of grey to brown usually without dark bands & juveniles has a light tan colour or brown with dark cross bands on the body & tail.

Dentition
There are 13-14 pairs of teeth on the upper jaw, with 19 teeth on each side & 14-15 pairs of teeth on the lower jaw. The mandibular symphysis extends to the level of forth & fifth tooth. There is a pne-maxillo-maxillary suture is present on the palate. Transverse, nearly straight or curved bones separate the two pne maxillaries above.

Behavior
These crocodiles live in freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, dams, reservoirs and marshes. Muggers prefer slow-moving, shallower bodies of water rather than, fast-flowing, deep, tidal areas. Also they are known to thrive in man-made reservoirs and irrigation canals. Although it prefers freshwater, it has some tolerance to saltwater therefore is occasionally reported from saltwater lagoons. It is sympatric with the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in some areas of India, but separated by habitat most of the time. It is adapted to terrestrial life like its cousin, the Cuban Crocodile, more than most crocodilians. It is known to be more mobile on land, can migrate considerable distances over land in search of a more suitable habitat. It can chase prey on land for short distances. They are also known to dig burrows as shelters during the dry season.

Breeding
Mugger is a hole nesting crocodile. A female crocodile lays 10-50 eggs at a time & two clutches of eggs may be produced during a nesting season, at least in captivity. Eggs measure 63.8-83.8mm 39.3-50.5mm. Sex of offspring is determined by the incubation temperature of eggs.

Growth
It grows to 5m in Sri Lanka. The biggest specimen is found in British museum measuring 12 feet but individuals may grow larger.

Food
It's a carnivorous reptile & the adult diet consists of mammals as large as deer & goats, as well as smaller mammals, water birds, fish, snakes, lizards & turtles. Occasionally they even attack humans. The juvenile consume insects, fish, frogs & small vertebrates. In fact, most vertebrates that approach to drink are potential prey, and may suffer being seized and dragged into the water to be drowned and devoured at leisure..