Survey of Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) habitat by using Habitat Suitability Index (HIS) Method along Sarbaz River (Sistan & Baluchistan province)

For determination and classification of Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for Mugger (Crocodylus palustris), 10 areas indexes along the Sarbaz River, were measured with (HEP) method. In this study, 49 variables including: climatic characteristics, physical and chemical factors of soil and water habitats in 10 areas were measured monthly for one year. By using Pearson correlation test with 95 percent accuracy, we found that among 49 variables, the percentage of vegetation, slope habitats, existence of fish types and amphibians, EC and water depth are factors that have a key role for ‍Crocodiles habitat selection. Finally, the downstream area of Pishin dam with suitability number 1, (HSI = 1) as suitable habitat and Kalani pond with a suitability number 0.2 (HSI = 0.2) as unsuitable habitat were chosen for Mugger.