Description
GS PAPER II: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context: After almost 15 years, gharials mated in the Satkosia gorge and hatchlings were seen surrounding an adult gharial.
About gharials:
The male gharial has a distinctive boss at the end of the snout, which resembles an earthenware pot known in Hindias. Hence, the name.
Conservation Status:
- Critically Endangered— IUCN Red List.
- It is a Schedule 1 species under Indian wildlife act, 1972
Habitat:
- Foremost flowing rivers with high sand banks that they use for basking and building nests
- Gharials once inhabited all the major river systems of the Indian Subcontinent, from the Irrawaddy Riverin the east to the Indus River in the west.
- Their distribution is now limited to only 2% of their former range
- They are found in Girwa River, Chambal River, Ken River, Son River, Mahanadi River, Ramganga River
Threats:
- Hunting for skins, trophies and indigenous medicine and their eggs collected for consumption.
- Decrease of riverine habitat as dams, barrages, irrigation canals and artificial embankments were built; siltation and sand-mining changed river courses
Conservation efforts in India:
- Project Crocodile for intensive captive breeding and rearing program began in 1975 (Government of India+ United Nations Development Fund + Food and Agriculture Organization)
Protected areas for gharial in India:
- National Chambal Sanctuary- Madhya Pradesh
- Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary- Uttar Pradesh
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/gharial-hatchlings-seen-in-natural-habitats-after-years-in-odisha/article34629342.ece?utm_source=other-states&utm_medium=sticky_footer
