Liver Disease Kills 29 Crocodiles In India

December 14, 2007 11:33 a.m. EST

Lucknow, India (AHN) - The deaths of 29 crocodiles in the Chambal river, which runs along the borders of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and the central state of Madhya Pradesh, were caused by a fatal liver disease, wildlife experts confirmed on Friday.

"Post-mortem examinations carried out on the dead crocodiles have confirmed cirrhosis of liver as the cause of death," D.N.S. Suman, Chief Wildlife Conservator, told media from Etawah in Uttar Pradesh. "A large number of crocodiles were released here over the years as part of the crocodile rehabilitation project undertaken by the Kukrail centre in Lucknow about 27 years ago."

Experts were baffled at the spate of crocodile deaths in Chambal river that is regarded as a natural habitat of the animal. As many as 29 crocodiles have died over the past three days in the river on account of cirrhosis, a fatal liver disease, according to reports.

The Uttar Pradesh government has already decided to hold back a consignment of 60 crocodiles that was to be sent from Lucknow for release in the river, as part of the rehabilitation program.