Ten gharials released in River Chambal by Madhya Pradesh chief minister to boost peoples morale

Over 80% of India's gharial population lives in MP, so this initiative further solidifies the state's leadership in gharial conservation.

Concerning the Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus),

The long-snouted crocodiles known as gharials are native to the Indian subcontinent.

Since the snouts have bulbous growths, the name is derived from the word "ghara" (pot). This bulb is found only in mature males.

CITES: Appendix I; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I; IUCN: Critically Endangered is the current conservation status.

Habitat: Freshwater rivers with sandy banks.

The Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi-Brahmani-Baitrani river systems in India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan are examples of historical range.

Present Range: Smaller populations in the Ken, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Ghaghara, and Bhagirathi-Hoogly rivers, as well as the Chambal, Girwa (India), and Rapti-Naryani (Nepal) rivers.

The destruction of habitats brought on by industrial and agricultural growth, as well as plastic pollution, are threats. Drowning and entanglement in fishing gear.

Predation of eggs, unlawful poaching for meat and skin, and medical use of body parts.

Preservation Activities:

Breeding facilities for captive breeding and reintroduction include the Kukrail Rehabilitation Center (Lucknow) and the Deori Gharial Breeding Center (MP). In Bihar, the Gandak River serves as a productive gharial breeding ground. Gharial habitat is largest at the National Chambal Sanctuary.