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Goa's 'warrior' crocodiles fight battle for
survival
Panaji (PTI): Marsh crocodiles, who once
"fought wars" to save Goa from being captured by Portuguese rulers
are now facing extinction due to increased poaching, environmentalists feel.
"The crocodile sightings have drastically
reduced in the recent times. The reasons could surely be habitat destruction
and poaching", Nirmal Kulkarni, an environmentalist, who has been closely
following these reptiles, said.
Cumbharjua-Banastarim canal, part of Mhadei river
in north Goa near here, has been the habitat
of these crocodiles, which led a 'naval warfare' during famous Banastarim
battle in 1511.
"They were used twice, first in 1510 and
1511, when Adil Shah of Bijapur made the last ditch attempt to save his
territory
(parts of Goa) from Portuguese, Prajal
Sakhardande, a historian said.
Post-1510 and 1511 battle, Portuguese had their
second conquest in the form of Tiswadi island and Banastarim fort.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200710111321.htm
Sanny de Quepem <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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