Hawk-eagle preys on crocodile hatchling in India

A dentist named Rohan Sharma made an exciting discovery in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, India. While focusing on birdwatching during his visits, he observed a changeable hawk-eagle catching a baby crocodile. This marks the first recorded instance in India of this type of eagle preying on a crocodile. During one of his safaris, Sharma spotted the hawk-eagle perched in a fig tree with what he initially thought was a monitor lizard in its talons. After taking photos, he realized that the prey was actually a hatchling of the Mugger crocodile. The encounter happened near a stream in the reserve and highlighted the unpredictable nature of wildlife. The hawk-eagle is known for its impressive hunting style, using its strong talons to capture prey. In India, it’s sometimes referred to as "Shah Baaz," which means "king of the hawks." Though traditionally associated with hunting larger animals, this latest finding shows the eagle's opportunistic behavior. Research has shown that crocodilians are not as invulnerable as they seem. A study by Australian researchers found that 184 predator species are known to prey on various types of crocodiles around the world. This includes birds like Sharma's hawk-eagle, which adds to the list of those targeting crocodile eggs and hatchlings. The discovery continues to draw interest from researchers and bird enthusiasts alike. It emphasizes the evolving understanding of predator-prey relationships in nature.