GHARIAL:
ENVIRONMENT
News: For over three years, a lone female Gharial has been
seen in a section of the river in Kaziranga National Park.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Key Pointers:
Gharial:
The origin of the name "Gharial" comes from a
knobby, bulbous protrusion on the snout of breeding males that resembles a
"ghara," or earthen pot in Hindi.
Habitat:
Primarily found in the Chambal,
Girwa, Ghagra, and Gandak rivers.
Conservation Status:
IUCN:
Critically Endangered
India:
Listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Kaziranga National Park:
Ø Location: Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and
Nagaon districts, Assam.
Ø History:
Ø Wildlife: Home to over 70% of the world's
One Horned Rhinoceros population.