SOHRAB HOSSAIN, Patuakhali

At the Tengragiri Crocodile Breeding Centre in Taltali upazila of Barguna, not a single hatchling survived in the past 13 years of breeding efforts, with each dying soon after being hatched under unclear circumstances.

The centre was established in the 2011-12 fiscal year inside the Tengragiri Eco Park to conserve freshwater crocodiles, with a pair of adult crocodiles named “Tengra” and “Sakhina”.

According to the centre’s data, the female crocodile has been laying an average of 8-10 eggs every year. Although the eggs hatch and offspring are born, none can be successfully raised to maturity.

Raju, a resident of the Sonakata area, alleged that forest officials concerned do not properly care for the hatchlings, leading to their deaths.

Similar allegations were made by KM Riazul Islam from the Sakhina area, who claimed that even the adult crocodiles are not fed adequately. “They are given only two broiler chickens every three to four days, which is highly insufficient,” he said.

“Keeping them confined without proper feeding is inhumane. If proper care cannot be ensured, the crocodiles should be released into the Sundarbans,” he added.

Locals also recalled a tragic incident on March 25, 2017, when Asaduzzaman Rony, 29, of Sabujnagar village in Mathbaria upazila of Pirojpur, was killed at the centre after being dragged into water by one of the crocodiles as he approached the breeding pond with friends.

Arif Rahman, president of Barguna Tourist Management Association, said there is no manpower to raise the hatchlings at the centre. As a result, the hatchlings die prematurely. Successful breeding could turn the centre into a tourist attraction, he added.

“The male crocodile often eats the hatchlings. We do not have trained personnel to separate the hatchlings from the adults and nurse them properly,” said Sakhina Beat Officer Rahimul Islam, adding that a request for skilled staffers will be sent to higher authorities soon.

He refuted allegations of irregular feeding, saying that the crocodiles are fed regularly. “If they were not fed properly, they would not have survived this long,” he added.

Taltali Range Officer Matiur Rahman said hatchlings must be kept in a separate, safe environment to prevent adult crocodiles from preying on them.

“A proposal has already been sent to higher authorities to bring in an expert from the Karamjal Crocodile Breeding Centre in the Sundarbans to assess the situation. Further steps will be taken based on expert recommendations to ensure successful breeding of freshwater crocodiles at the facility,” he added.