Gharials

Gharials, sometimes called gavials, are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and more

India has three species of Crocodilians namely:

1. Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): IUCN Red List- Critically Endangered 2. Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris): IUCN- Vulnerable. 3. Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): IUCN- Least Concern.

All the three are listed on Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

(Exception: Saltwater Crocodile populations of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are included in Appendix II of CITES.)

Habitat of Gharials: Natural Habitat: Fresh waters of the northern part of India. Primary Habitat: Chambal river (a tributary of Yamuna). Secondary Habitat: Ghagra, Gandak river, Girwa river (Uttar Pradesh), the Ramganga river (Uttarakhand) and the Sone river (Bihar).

Significance: Population of Gharials are a good indicator of clean river water.

Conservation Efforts

Breeding Centres of Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, National Chambal Sanctuary (Gharial Eco Park, Madhya Pradesh).

Threats: Increased river pollution, dam construction, massive-scale fishing operations and floods. Illegal sand mining and poaching.

Why in news?

• Recently, Odisha announced a cash award of Rs. 1,000 to conserve gharials in Mahanadi River Basin.

(Source-The Hindu)