Croc census reveals only three gharials

Times of India: Croc census reveals only three gharials

KENDRAPADA: The number of gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) in Orissa is on the wane at an alarming speed. Forest officials counted only three Gharials during a recent census in Satakosia Gorge within Tikarpada under Mahanadi river system, said Dr Sudhakar Kar, a senior research officer and herpetologist of forest and wildlife department of the state on Monday.

"The forest department had released 700 baby gharials in the Mahanadi river three decades back. In spite of the opening of a Gharial breeding center in Tikarapada in 1976, their number is decreasing at a shocking rate. The possible reasons for this could be changes in environment and water pollution affecting their breeding. It also could be due to human interference, disturbance in the river system and natural calamities", Kar said.

Gharials take 12 years to attend sexual maturity and feed on fish only. Gharials caught accidentally in fishing nets are either hacked to death or have their snout chopped off by fishermen to save the net.

"Integrated efforts that include captive breeding, research and monitoring, and especially safeguarding gharial habitat are urgently needed to save the species in the state. The forest department has recently decided to release Gharials from the Nandankann zoo into the rivers on a regular basis," Kar added.