River Chambal is one of the last strongholds of Gharials in India. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is striving to ensure the continued survival of the critically endangered crocodile here
by
Shivang Mehta
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The critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) has been surviving in India's riverine ecosystems for centuries. But rapid development and urbanisation have meant that this iconic reptile is now confined to just a few belts. Even in these areas, the species is under constant threat. Thousands of hatchlings are born every year, but their birth coincides with the monsoons, and as the rivers swell, many young ones get washed away. Predation is another cause of concern, with hatchlings even falling prey to jackals. To prevent this, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department artificially incubates eggs and raises hatchlings to a certain age. This photo story showcases the life of this unique crocodilian species and the efforts of its custodians working tirelessly to ensure the maturity of young Gharial hatchlings.
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The Gharial or Gavial is the only member of the crocodile family Gavialidae. They are also the only living crocodile species with visible sexual dimorphism. Adult male Gharials have a distinct bulbous growth at the end of their snout, which resembles a mud pot known as a 'ghara' in the Hindi language, giving the crocodilians their name. They are well-adapted to catching fish, using their long, narrow snout and sharp, interlocking teeth.
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The Chambal river, which flows through Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, is one of the key habitats of this species. During the winter months in India, shy and reclusive males are seen with females, marking the beginning of the breeding season.
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During the incubation period, Gharial mothers stay close to their eggs. Incubation is temperature-dependent, averaging around 70 days (shorter when the temperature is higher).
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The sex of hatchlings is not determined by genes but by the temperature during incubation. Higher temperatures result in a higher percentage of males.
Predation is high among Gharial hatchings as they are helpless during this stage without the protection of their mother. Natural predators like jackals can quickly wipe out a large number of hatchlings.
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Disruption in the riverine ecosystem is a major concern for this freshwater reptile. Sand mining on river banks causes disturbance to the species, with females failing to find safe breeding grounds for their young ones.
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At the breeding centres run by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Gharial hatchlings are cared for, ensuring a higher survival rate than in the wild.
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The Gharial is an indicator of a healthy riverine ecosystem. Alas, in India, River Chambal and a few others are the last remaining strongholds of this species. Though thousands of hatchlings are born each year, only a percentage of them make it to adulthood and ensure the progeny of this singular crocodilian of the Indian subcontinent.
Thursday, 08 December, 2022
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An international award-winning wildlife photographer and the best-selling author of ‘A Decade with Tigers' and 'Chasing Horizons: Learnings from Africa', Shivang Mehta has donned many hats in his long career, including that of a journalist and a PR professional. Shivang's love for wildlife and nature led him to begin his on-field career in the sal forests of Kumaon almost two decades ago. As a part of his company, Nature Wanderers, he has conducted over 1000 wildlife photography tours and safaris in some of the toughest terrains on the planet and has mentored over a thousand amateur photographers. Shivang also specialises in photographing rare species like the Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Fishing Cat and Red Panda, to name a few. As a part of his work, he makes extensive use of technology like DSLR camera trapping and remote shooting. He is also the brand ambassador for Canon and is a Columbia Sportswear athlete. He posts as @shivang.mehta on Instagram.
