Matara Crocodile Watching
Matara is the easiest place in Sri Lanka , where you get to observe both species of crocodiles existing in the country. A vast concentration of estuarine crocodiles live in the lagoon areas and in the estuary of the Nilwala river , while the mugger or the freshwater crocodile dwells in the upper regions of the Nilwala River.
Crocodiles in the World
There are twenty three species of crocodiles in the world today. The history of the crocodilians dates back to the Triassic period, some 230 million years ago. Alligators and their kin are modern dinosaurs, having existed virtually unchanged for the past 65 million years.
Crocodiles in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two species of crocodiles. One is the Mugger or Marsh crocodile known specifically as Crocodylus palustris. It is known as the Geta kimbula in Sinhala and Chaanakan in Tamil. The other is the Saltwater or Estuarine crocodile with the specific name Crocodylus porosus. In Sinhala it is known as the Hela kimbula and Semmookan in Tamil.
Look at the crocodile eye
You can see this eye if you have a good patience and a camera. A crocodile’s eye has a sharp, intense look with a vertical slit pupil, much like a cat’s eye. It is specially adapted for hunting, helping the crocodile see well in both bright daylight and low light. The eyes sit high on the head, so the crocodile can keep most of its body hidden underwater while still watching its surroundings. A transparent third eyelid also protects the eye when the crocodile moves through water.
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