Indian Gharial

• After a gap of 75 years, an endangered female Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) was spotted in the Bishwanath stretch of the Brahmaputra under Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.

ABOUT GHARIAL                                       

• Indian gharial is one of the largest river-dwelling crocodile species of the world that grows up to 8 metres in total length and weight around 160 kg.
• Habitat
  • It is also the most aquatic of all crocodilians for it never moves far from the water.
  • Females lay their eggs in steep, sandy river banks.
• Their major population occurs in three tributaries of the Ganga River: the Chambal and the Girwa Rivers in India and the Rapti-Naryani River in Nepal.
• The Gharial reserves of India are located in three States – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• Adult gharials exhibit a strong association with river systems, often displaying seasonal migratory patterns.
• Although primarily fish eaters, some individuals have been known to scavenge dead animals.
• Threats include habitat fragmentation and degradation, poaching etc.
• It has been placed under the IUCN Red Data list as critically endangered and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 due to massive decline in its population.