The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), one of two crocodile species in Sri Lanka, inhabits freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes, favoring slow-moving or shallow water bodies. This medium-sized crocodile is recognised by its broad, elongated snout, blackish-grey colouration, and webbed outer toes, which aid in movement on land and in water. Muggers are powerful swimmers, using their tails and hind feet to maneuver.

Mugger crocodiles are thermoconformers, maintaining their body temperature by basking on riverbanks or retreating to burrows during harsh conditions. Their diet includes fish, snakes, turtles, birds, mammals, and carrion. During dry seasons, they may traverse long distances in search of water and prey.

When female muggers are sexually mature, they dig burrows and can lay up to 30 eggs, camouflaging them with sand. The eggs incubate for approximately two months.