Madhya Pradesh at Forefront of Wildlife Conservation in India
Gharials are only found in freshwater and leave the water only for basking and building nest on moist sandbanks.
BHOPAL, Madhya Pradesh, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Madhya Pradesh, the Central Indian state which regained the coveted 'Tiger State' tag last year, has added another feather to its cap by emerging on top in the count of gharials (fresh water crocodiles) this year.
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as gavial is among the longest of all living crocodilians. It has a distinct snout, which resembles an earthenware pot known as ghara hence the name "gharial". Gharials are only found in freshwater and leave the water only for basking and building nest on moist sandbanks.
Forest officials have been working since 2008-09 to increase the count of the Gharial. The continuous efforts for the conservation of wild creatures by the forest officials are now bearing fruits. The Chambal Gharial Sanctuary lies on the Chambal River (one of the cleanest rivers in India). It hosts incredible species of mugger, Gangetic dolphin and nine types of turtles out of which red crown roof turtle is not found anywhere in the world except at the Chambal Sanctuary. The adjoining environs of the river turn into a paradise for bird watchers during winters (Nov-Mar). The Sanctuary is also home to wildlife such as the golden jackal, chinkara, wild boar and Indian wolf. The best way to explore the sanctuary is by a boat safari which offers an opportunity to spot the many birds and aquatic animals.
The Deori Eco Centre in Morena was built for the conservation of the species. The Chambal river flows through Morena forming all northern boundaries of this famous district (as it is also home to several monuments from the medieval ages) which is the meeting point of the Vindhyan Plateau and the low lying zone of Chambal Valley. One gharial can deliver up to 100-150 eggs in summer season and collectively there are thousands of egg delivered every year but sadly most of them wash out in flood. That's when the main contributor Deori Eco Centre comes into play, where around 200 eggs are collected from the sandbanks and are artificially hatched. The hatchlings are nurtured for two years. With such smart approaches, the population of gharial has today reached 2400 making Madhya Pradesh the proud 'Gharial state' of India.
Slowly, nature and its creatures are rebuilding their presence in Madhya Pradesh helping it live up to its reputation of being "land of the Jungle Book."
For more information contact Vinita Rashinkar, +918971514728 or [email protected]
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SOURCE Madhya Pradesh Tourism
