News: Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a leader in gharial conservation, hosting over 80% of India’s total gharial population. The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, located in the state, recorded 2,456 gharials in 2024.
About Gharial
- The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a species of crocodilian known for its long, slender snout and fish-based diet.
- The name “gharial” comes from the Hindi word ghara, which refers to the bulbous growth on the snout of adult males.
- Gharials are primarily found in the rivers of India and Nepal and play a crucial role in maintaining river ecosystems.
- Physical Characteristics
- Male gharials grow between 3 to 6 meters in length, while females range from 2.6 to 4.5 meters.
- Their distinctive snout is lined with sharp, interlocking teeth, which help them catch fish efficiently.
- Unlike other crocodilians, gharials are not well-suited for walking on land and spend most of their time in water.
- Mature males develop a bulbous growth called a ghara on their snouts, which they use to produce vocalizations and bubbles to attract females.
- Importance in Ecosystem
- Gharials play a vital role in maintaining the balance of river ecosystems.
- As fish-eaters, they help regulate fish populations, preventing overpopulation and ensuring a healthy aquatic environment.
- They also act as natural scavengers, cleaning up carrion and preventing water pollution.
- Since gharials are highly sensitive to environmental changes, their presence in a river serves as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
- Threats to Gharials
- Habitat destruction caused by dam construction, irrigation canals, and river pollution has significantly reduced their numbers. Illegal sand mining disrupts their nesting sites on sandbanks, making reproduction difficult.
- Fishing activities also pose a major threat, as gharials often get accidentally entangled in gill nets, leading to fatal injuries.
- Climate change is altering river flow patterns, affecting their breeding and nesting cycles.
- In the past, gharials were hunted for their skins, trophies, and use in traditional medicine, further endangering the species.
- Conservation efforts:
- Between 1975 and 1982, India established 16 captive breeding and release centers to support gharial populations.
- The species primarily survives in five key sanctuaries: National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS), Katerniaghat Sanctuary, Chitwan National Park, Son River Sanctuary and Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary.
