First time in last four decades, breeding of the endangered gharial species (Gavialis gangeticus) has been witnessed in the fresh waters of Mahanadi river in Satkosia gorge in Odisha.
Basic facts
- According to the media reports, at least 28 gharial hatchlings have been sighted with their mother in the Satkosia gorge.
- The hatchlings were spotted at Baladamara area of the sanctuary.
- The Mahandi river has two crocodile species – Mugger and Gharial.
- Only 14 gharials were spotted at the Satkosia gorge in 2019.
- The state forest department in June 2019 released six gharials fitted with radio transmitters from the Nandankanan zoo into the Mahanadi river to track their migratory routes in order to save them from extinction.
- Distinguishable by their long snout, the gharials are considered to be among the most critically endangered crocodiles.
- About 200-400 remaining gharials are found in the rivers of Uttar Pradesh as their habitat is threatened due to human encroachment and disruption of population through fishing activities.
- According to the Wildlife Institute of India, today, their major population occur in three tributaries of the Ganga River: the Chambal and the Girwa Rivers in India and the Rapti-Naryani River in Nepal.
(Sources: Hindustan Times and The New IndianExpress)
