After 45 years Odisha Welcomes Gharial hatchlings

Subject: Environment

Context: Recently, Odisha has seen natural nesting of gharials for the first time since they were introduced in its rivers back in 1975.

Concept:

Odisha had become the only state to have all the three species of the reptile i.e. freshwater gharials, muggers and saltwater crocodiles with the introduction of gharials in 1975.
All the original gharials introduced over the years in Odisha are dead now and Odisha has introduced 13 more gharials over the past three years in the Mahanadi.
The Odisha Forest Department announced Rs 1,000 for anyone rescuing a gharial, and compensation for those whose fishing nets are destroyed by the reptiles.

Freshwater gharials

They are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts.
They were granted full protection in the 1970s and later listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It is listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
They live in clear freshwater river systems, congregating at river bends where the water is deeper.
Their range has shrunk to two countries i.e. India, along the Chambal, Girwa, and Son Rivers and Nepal, along the Narayani River.

Muggers

It is a medium to large crocodilian species.
It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and in Bangladesh and also its range extends westwards into eastern Iran.
It is a hole-nesting species, with egg-laying taking place during the annual dry season.
It is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Saltwater Crocodiles

It is the largest of all crocodilians, and the largest reptile in the world.
Saltwater crocs have an enormous range, populating the brackish and freshwater regions of eastern India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia.
Apart from the eastern coast of India, the saltwater crocodile is extremely rare on the Indian subcontinent.
A large population is present within the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha while smaller populations occur throughout the Sundarbans.
It is listed as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.