Counting crocodiles for conservation
                    
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility criteria for participation?

Since it is a citizen science program, it is open to all, irrespective of the field of education and profession. Artist, doctors, lawyers, engineers and businessmen have been part of our earlier crocodile counts. The one criterion that we stick to is the age. To be at the Charotar Crocodile Count, individual has to be above the age of eighteen years.

What are the selection criterias?

The participants are selected on the basis of their application, especially through the small essay that we ask them to write on “Why do you want to join the Charotar Crocodile Count?”. The justification of this question is a very important criterion for selecting the participants. Education, profession and experience are not the main criteria that we look at for selecting the participants. However, we also want unbiased representation of participants from various regions of India and foreign countries, equal representation from both the genders, as well as from various age classes and professions. Hence, the organising committee can improvise the selection criteria to have a proper representation of participants from various backgrounds, age and gender. Organising team’s decision will be final on the selection of the participation, and no communication or justification will be entertained, in the cases of non-selection.

How do I register for this event?

You can go the Registration section on this website to send in your application for participating in 11th Charotar Crocodile Count 2024. Here’s the link to the registration page — https://crocodilecount.org/register

How much is the registration fee?

Participant’s registration fee for the 11th Charotar Crocodile Count 2024 is ₹2,500.

What is included in the registration fees?

Registration fee for the event includes following:

  • Admittance to all sessions (including Plenary Lecture)
  • Morning breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & snacks, and dinner
  • Local transport during the field work
  • Participant’s Kit which includes a T-shirt and a backpack.
  • Accommodation during the period of the program, i.e. From 3:00 PM on 5th January 2024 Till 1:00 PM on 7th January 2024.

When do I need to pay registration fees?

You do not have to pay registration fees at the time of filling out the registration form. You will receive an email if your application has been accepted to participate in 11th Charotar Crocodile Count 2024 and the email will have a link from where you’ll need to pay your registration fees.

In short, you need to pay registration fees only if you are selected to participate in 11th Charotar Crocodile Count 2024.

Can I get a scholarship/bursary to travel and participate in Charotar Crocodile Count?

VNC or the organising committee do not have enough funds to support participants through scholarships or bursary. Participants are themselves responsible for arranging their fees, and travel expenditure to and from Vallabh Vidyanagar.

How do I pay the registration fees?

You will need to pay the registration fees online. Once your application is selected for participating in 11th Charotar Crocodile Count 2024, you will receive an email with a link to pay the registration fees.

We offer a range of options for payments, including Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Net Banking, UPI, and Mobile Wallets.

I am not from India and I cannot pay in Indian Rupees. What do I do?

Along with Indian Rupees, we are also accepting USD, Euros, and Pounds. Once your application for participating in the program is accepted, you will receive an email containing a link to pay the registration fees. If you have selected country other than India while filling out the form, you'll be receiving an email with a link to pay in USD, Euro, or Pound, depending on your country.

I want to cancel my registration; how can I do this and get a refund?

Once selected and registered successfully (when the fee is paid), participants cannot cancel their registration, nor they can get refund. Therefore, please register cautiously. If you have any queries w.r.t registration, contact the organising team on provided contact details.

Do I need to bring anything for the event?

Do not forget to bring your water bottles and caps. In addition, a good quality torch and field shoes are must. A small diary would be good thing to keep around to note-down things from here. You can bring your binoculars and camera. A small backpack will be required to keep all the things in. Mosquitoes could also be problem in the field, so bring a mosquito repellent. It will be winter time, which could be quite cold in Charotar, so bring proper and good quality winter wear.

Do I get the Certificate of Participation for the program?

Certificate will be provided to only those participants who will successfully complete the three days of the program. Participants who fail to attend any of sessions and/or activity of the schedule program, will not get the certificate.

What kind of facilities will be available during the program? How is accommodation?

The participants will be placed at a hostel facility, at Vadtal. Whereas various sessions will be conducted at the conference hall of the CHARUSAT University, Changa. The rooms will come with basic facilities, with attached bathroom/toilet. The rooms will be allocated on triple occupancy sharing basis. The rooms are Non-AC. The organiser holds the right to place the participants as preferred. No discussion will be entertained on w.r.t accommodation facilities and rules. There will be no internet facility at the accommodation location. Participants who would like a continuous fast internet connection are advised to make their own arrangements. Participants will be taken to field on the 5th and 7th January 2024, of the program. Transport facilities will be arranged by the organiser, throughout the duration of the program only.

What kind of food will be available during the Crocodile count?

Simple vegetarian food will be served to the participants. We will not entertain any special dietary needs.

I am traveling alone to Vallabh Vidyanagar/Anand for the first time. Can you tell me about the measures taken for safety?

Vallabh Vidyanagar, a town for students and Anand, a large and developed city, both are generally safe for travel and stay. The particpants will be placed at the hostel, Vadtal, where there is little need to be concerned about security. However, for safety, it is advised to avoid more secluded areas, at any time of the day. If you still have specific questions, concerns please get in touch and we will try and help.

Can someone pick me up from Airport / Railway station?

Please look at the ‘Getting here’ page.

Participants are themselves responsible for their transport from Airports/railway station/Bus station. Vallabh Vidyanagar, is five km from Anand railways station and can be reached through auto-rickshaw available at the station. You may contact the program organisers. if you have any queries regarding your travel. It is ideal for you to try and make your arrangements in advance to avoid any trouble.

Can I pay the registration fees at the time of reporting?

To confirm your participation for the event, you will need to pay the registration fees before the deadline mentioned in the email. If you fail to pay the fees in the given timeframe, your applications will be rejected and the spot will be allocated to other participants.

I am facing issues with the payment process. What do I do?

If you are facing any kind of issue with the payment processor, get in touch with us through the Contact page or send us an email on info@vncindia.org or anirudh@vncindia.org