CHENNAI: The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology announced a research grant of Rs 25 lakh per year aimed at studies within India in the field of conservation, at its 35th anniversary celebrations on Friday. MCBT Director, Colin Stevenson said, “This is big step for us and while I’m possibly one of the newest members here (three months old), many of the staff have been around since its inception way back in 1976.”The celebrations are slated to be held till Sunday with a line-up of interactive sessions with families and students in attendance such as ‘meet the staff’, ‘a Q&A with the director’ and live feeding demos with the reptiles, with keepers and staff keeping vigil.What started as a desperate effort to save India’s dwindling crocodilian population in 1976 by Romulus Whitaker, the Bank now comprises over 2,000 crocodiles as well as varied species of snakes, lizards and turtles in their repertoire.Stevenson proudly states, “In the coming months we will be adding four new species of crocodiles - the Cuban crocodile, Black Caiman, Broad Snouted Caiman and the Smooth Fronted Caiman.” Also on the list are a few rather exotic sounding members of the Anaconda family - “yellow and green anacondas”.Asked whether there were any crocodiles celebrating their birthdays alongside the anniversary, the director laughed, “Well, perhaps not exactly the same age, but we do have Jaws, who turns almost 40 this weekend and is probably one of the largest saltwater crocodiles (16 feet) held in captivity in India.”In terms of endangered species, Stevenson revealed one of their most exciting prospects for the year ahead. “We will be attempting to breed the West African Dwarf Crocodile and the Tomistoma (species of crocodiles usually from Indonesia and Malaysia), which are difficult to breed in terms of getting ideal conditions for their habitat in place. If we are successful, this will be a first for India.”Also on the agenda for the weekend is a naming competition for little ones to participate, complete with the picture of the reptile and details listed on a board as well as an adoption booth for those interested in making donations or contributing to the food supply of one of the members of the MCBT family. Donations start from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000, depending on the species.
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