Female Indian Gharial Sighted in Kaziranga

Context

A female Indian gharial was seen for the first time in nearly 75 years in Greater Kaziranga National Park.

About

• In a 60-kilometre survey of the Brahmaputra River conducted by Biswanath Wildlife Division and TSA Foundation, gharial populations were observed.
• Several first-time record makers in recent years at Greater Kaziranga include Gharials, Small-clawed Otters and Binturong.
• There are unofficial reports of repeated gharial sanctuary sightings (especially females) in the last three years in the Kaziranga National Park. Those recurrent sightings of gharials, particularly females, over the past three years signify that conservation measures for endangered species along with proper protection have proven successful.
• Kaziranga has over 42 recorded species for freshwater fishes so far: a habitat that in the long run can support gharial in good stead.

Asian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

• Gharials, also known as Gavials are members of the crocodilian group, notable for their long thin snouts.
• Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes caimans, alligators, and crocodiles.
• The name Gharial is derived from the Hindi word “ghara,” meaning pot, due to a bulbous knob at the end of its snout.

Habitat

• Gharials live in clear freshwater rivers, usually near river bends where the water is deeper. 
• They are not well adapted to terrestrial living and spend most of their time in or near water just to bask in the sun or to nest.
• Once present throughout Pakistan and as far as Myanmar, the Gharial’s range has now shrunk to two countries: India along the Chambal, Girwa , and Son Rivers and Nepal along the Narayani River.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I CITES: Appendix I.
• Major Threats:
• Gharial is harmed in quantities and quality of water by damming, barrages, irrigation extraction etc.
• Rapidly depleting Gharials through increased intensity of fishing and use of gillnets.
• Harvesting eggs and so on for its body parts as medicines but above them all the first and foremost biggest threat is man-made. The gharial in the 1940s may have had its population cut as much as 98%.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR)

• Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is situated on the floodplain of Brahmaputra River Karbi Anglong hills in the South. It is bordered to the north by water gullies from which it draws its name, to the south and west respectively NEFA/Cap
• Tributaries Harami are Daflapur of the West and besides these its protection is guaranteed right up until Datasheet (to the south-east).
• According to the IUCN, Africa’s oldest and finest reserve lies here at this point. That is Kazianga (with wildlife sanctuaries within an hour’s drive of each other).
• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1916, a national park in 1974, and a tiger reserve in 2007.
• Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to two-thirds of the world’s rhino population.

Conclusion

• Gharials are one of the most critically threatened crocodilians. Habitat loss due to human encroachment, fishing and hunting practices which are unsustainable are primary threats to them. 
• These species came into close extinction during the 1970s. 
• And this discovery of the endangered female Gharial in Kaziranga is highlighted as it is seen after 75 years for the first time and it paves the way for research regarding their sustainability and ecological balance actions on the part of the Govt.

Source: The Times of India

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q.Consider the Following Fauna of India

1. 1. Gharial
   2. Leatherback turtle
   3. Swamp Deer

Which of the above is/are critically endangered?

a. 1 & 2 Only

b. 3 Only

c. 1, 2 & 3

c. None

Ans: “a”

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