GHARIAL

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CHAMBAL RIVER, INDIA
The gharial is a fish-eating, critically endangered crocodile found in rivers of South Asia. We undertook three survey expeditions to monitor gharial populations and attitudes of local people in Chambal River, Rajasthan. High populations were recorded in areas with highest fishing activity. Number of water pumps, indicative of the intensity of agricultural activity, had a negative relationship with gharial numbers. We found positive relationship between gharial numbers and sand banks (nesting sites). But a substantial part of ideal sand banks are being mined or converted for agriculture, reducing gharial habitats. The full study can be accessed here.

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