Source: IE
Context: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister released 10 gharials into the Chambal River at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary to boost conservation efforts.
- The state now hosts over 80% of India’s gharial population, reaffirming its leadership in gharial conservation.
About Gharial:
- What is a Gharial?
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- A critically endangered species of crocodilian (Gavialis gangeticus) with a long, narrow snout adapted for catching fish.
- The name “gharial” comes from the Hindi word “ghara”, referring to the bulbous snout tip seen in males.
- Locations in India:
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- Found in major river systems:
- Chambal River (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan) – Largest population.
- Ganges, Yamuna, Son, Gandak, Mahanadi, and Brahmaputra Rivers – Scattered populations.
- IUCN Status & Conservation Status:
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- Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting it the highest legal protection in India.
- Biological & Physical Features:
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- Size: Males grow up to 6 meters, females 2.6 to 4.5 meters.
- Diet: Primarily fish, using its slender snout and interlocking teeth for efficient hunting.
- Reproduction: Mates during November–January, nests on sandbanks and islands, and lays eggs March–May.
- Major Threats
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- Habitat destruction: Dams, embankments, irrigation canals, and sand mining disrupt nesting areas.
- Overfishing & Bycatch: Gharials get trapped in fishing nets (gillnets), leading to accidental deaths.
- Pollution: Industrial waste and pesticides poison river ecosystems.
- Historical Exploitation: Once hunted for skin, trophies, and traditional medicine.
- Chambal River Conservation Efforts:
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- National Chambal Sanctuary (435 km stretch): Protects one of India’s cleanest rivers.
- Captive Breeding & Release: Since 1975, hatchlings are raised in centers and released into rivers.
- Restoring Sandbanks: Ensures safe nesting sites.
- Community Involvement: Engaging locals in conservation efforts to protect riverine ecosystems.
