gharial (crocodiles)

gharial (crocodiles)

Subject :Environment

Section: Biodiversity

Context: Pakistani officials have requested the transfer of hundreds of gharial crocodiles from Nepal in an effort to reintroduce a species last seen in Pakistan in 1985.

• The species is virtually extinct from countries other than Nepal and India, where it occurs in the Ganges River and its tributaries.
• Pakistan is aiming for the return of an apex predator not seen in the country in nearly four decades: the gharial crocodile it will also become a basis for wildlife tourism that could provide a source of income for local communities

About Gharial:

• Apex predators such as gharials ensure ecological balance
• Indicator Species: Population of Gharials is a good indicator of clean river water.

Location:

• The Chambal river in the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains (Madhya Pradesh) is known as the primary habitat of gharials.
• Other himalayan rivers like Ghagra, Gandak river, Girwa river, Ramganga river
• Nara Canal, a channel of the Indus,DehAkro I and II wetland complexes situated in Pakistan
• Threats: Illegal sand mining, poaching, increased river pollution, dam construction, massive-scale fishing operations and Floods.

Other crocodile species

• Mugger – IUCN status- Vulnerable
• Salt water crocodile – IUCN status- Least Concern
• All types of crocodile under
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I