Wildcat ate crocodile babies

A wildcat had preyed on 62 baby crocodiles that went missing from Karamjal Wildlife Reproduction Centre in the Sundarbans, according to a probe body formed to look into the matter.

Saidul Islam, divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East, disclosed the report findings yesterday.

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The report of the three-member probe committee mentioned that all 62 baby crocodiles, that went missing from the country's lone wildlife breeding centre on two different occasions, had been killed and eaten by the wildcat.

The wildcat was shot and killed on February 6 when it was preying on the baby crocodiles at a pen of the centre.

At least 43 crocodiles going missing came to light on January 30. Later, 19 other carcases of baby crocodiles were found inside a pen on February 5.

The government established the breeding centre under Chandpai range of the Sundarbans in 2002 aiming to breed and rear endangered saltwater crocodiles.

The centre started its journey with five saltwater crocodiles found in various canals of the world's largest mangrove forest. The saline water crocodiles generally lay eggs in May-June in the coastal areas. And the crocodile eggs are hatched artificially to increase their population.