EFFECT OF SEASON ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF CAPTIVE MUGGER CROCODILES (CROCODYLUS PALUSTRIS)

The present study was undertaken to establish the effect of different seasons (winter, summer and rainy) on hematological parameters of captive mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) at Crocodile Conservation Park, Kotmi-Sonar, Chhattisgarh, India. The blood samples were collected by supra-occipital plexus and/or ventral tail vein puncture in 18 crocodiles each during winter, summer and rainy seasons. The findings of present study revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC) and Haemoglobin (Hb) values in summer season while the eosinophil and monocyte values were significantly (p<0.05) increased during winter season. Thrombocyte count was significantly (p<0.05) increased during rainy season as compared to winter and summer season. The present study has provided base line values for changes in haematological parameters in captive muggers.