Assam: Endangered Indian Gharial rediscovered in Kaziranga after 75-year absence
GUWAHATI: After a hiatus of 75 years, an endangered female Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) was sighted in the Bishwanath stretch of the Brahmaputra within the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam, sparking joy among nature enthusiasts statewide.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Thanks to our extensive conservation efforts, we've observed gharials, small-clawed otters, and Binturong at Greater Kaziranga, alongside other rare species. Share your unique species sightings in Assam in the comments below."
"This endangered Indian Gharial sighting in the Brahmaputra after 75 years is significant," remarked Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).
Ghosh detailed a 160 km long Brahmaputra survey conducted by Biswanath Wildlife Division under Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and TSA Foundation India from January 16 to 25.
The survey encompassed two transects (upstream and downstream) covering a total of 320 km shoreline, assessing habitat suitability for aquatic reptiles.
Led by Sushmita Kar and Monalisha Basistha, the team recorded over 900 freshwater turtles of five species, alongside one female Gharial, during the survey. Opportunistic sightings of other aquatic wildlife such as Gangetic River Dolphins and otters were also noted.
Kaziranga boasts an abundance of over 42 species of freshwater fishes, making it an ideal habitat for gharials in the long term.
The first evidence of endangered gharial presence was noted in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP) on October 27, 2022, bringing joy to wildlife enthusiasts.
The gharial, classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, has been the focus of conservation efforts since 2009.
Growing up to 8 meters in length and weighing around 160 kg, the Indian gharial has faced significant population declines in the last century, prompting its inclusion in the IUCN Red Data list.
With major gharial populations found in the National Chambal Sanctuary, efforts are underway to protect and conserve this iconic species across various riverine systems in India.