Gharial

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