Status & Legal Protection
- The Indian gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is categorized as Critically Endangered by IUCN, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Estimated ~800 mature individuals remain in the wild globally .
Why It’s in the News
- Project Crocodile – 50th anniversary (UP)
- Uttar Pradesh commemorated 50 years of Project Crocodile, which has stabilized its gharial population—the highest in India. However, climate change now threatens river flows, nesting sites, and habitat health .
- New hatchlings spotted in Odisha
- In May 2025, 29 gharial hatchlings were discovered on the Mahanadi within Satkosia Tiger Reserve—marking the 5th consecutive year of natural breeding and hinting at modest population recovery .
- Population boost via restocking
- Madhya Pradesh recently released 10 gharials into the Chambal River, adding to the 2,456 recorded in the state, reinforcing its role in national gharial conservation efforts .
Conservation Strategies & Challenges
| Strategy | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Captive Breeding & Restocking | Centers in Kukrail (UP), Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Madras Crocodile Bank have released thousands since 1975 . |
| Habitat Protection | Priority in river sanctuaries like Chambal, Gandak, Great Kaziranga. New studies support eastward habitat expansion under future climates . |
| Community Engagement | Fisherfolk and farmers act as nest protectors on Gandak River, safeguarding hatchlings . |
| Ongoing Threats | Climate variations, sand mining, river regulation, gill‑netting, and illegal structures degrade habitats — impacting breeding success . |
UPSC Relevance
- GS-3 (Environment & Biodiversity): Restoration of a megafaunal reptile, habitat conservation, climate adaptation strategies.
- GS-2 (Policy & Governance): Wildlife Protection Act role, community-driven conservation models.
- GS-1/GS-4 (Social & Ethics): Human‑wildlife interface, public participation, ethical intervention in conservation.
Previous-Year UPSC Question
Q: (GS‑3, 2021)
“Discuss the threats to freshwater wildlife in India and suggest measures to conserve them.”
Relevance:
- Gharial exemplifies freshwater species affected by developmental threats.
- Highlights need for riverine sanctuaries, community conflict mitigation, regulatory enforcement, and inter-state conservation coordination.
Key Takeaways
- Gharial conservation in India showcases successful programs like Project Crocodile and community‑based breeding/restocking — yet remains vulnerable to habitat and climate threats.
- Continued restoration requires ecosystem governance, climate-sensitive habitat management, and community involvement
