Guwahati: In a remarkable sighting, rare Indian gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) were observed at the confluence of the Brahmaputra, Na-Dihing, and Tengapani rivers near the Mahadeva Pur gate in Tinsukia district, located on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. This is the first time these critically endangered reptiles have been seen in the region, according to local reports.
One of the gharials was spotted on a sandbar at Bogri Bari Sona Pur Ghat, and although captured on a mobile camera, the photo quality was poor due to the distance. Meanwhile, boatmen at the nearby Hilaguri Sandbar claimed to have seen two more crocodiles. Wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists are now working to verify the sightings.
Debashish Mukherjee, a wildlife lover, expressed his excitement, stating, “The first evidence of endangered gharials in Assam was recorded in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park by forest officials on October 27, 2022. This new sighting brings hope to wildlife lovers across the country as the endangered species seems to be finding a home in this region.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, the forest department has yet to release an official bulletin regarding these recent sightings.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the gharial is listed as critically endangered and is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The species has been classified as critically endangered since 2007, prompting a reintroduction program in India starting in 2009 to revive the population.
Fascinating Facts About Gharials
- Gharials are known for their sharp, interlocking teeth and their long, narrow snouts.
- They belong to the Gavialidae family and are often referred to as “fish-eating crocodiles” due to their diet.
- Male gharials can reach up to 5.7 meters (19 feet) in length.
- Their lifespan ranges between 50 to 60 years, and they can swim up to 28 kilometers per hour underwater.
In a related development, the presence of gharials in the Greater Kaziranga region was confirmed in January after a 75-year gap. During a survey conducted by the Biswanath Wildlife Division, more than 900 freshwater turtles and one female gharial were found along a 160-kilometer stretch of the Brahmaputra River.
Kaziranga is considered one of the best long-term habitats for gharials due to its rich aquatic biodiversity, with over 42 species of freshwater fish. Recent conservation efforts have also led to sightings of other rare species, including small-clawed otters and binturongs.
While India’s largest population of gharials is found in the National Chambal Sanctuary, smaller populations can be found in various rivers across the country, including the Brahmaputra. Historical records indicate that gharials were once present in several rivers in northeastern India during the 1950s, but they were believed to be locally extinct until recent years.
