Gharial Conservation Programme
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TOI
Context: Etawah marked the 50th anniversary of its gharial conservation initiative on World Crocodile Day (June 17), celebrating five decades of protecting this ancient species along the Chambal River.
About Gharial Conservation Programme:
• What is it? A pioneering project aimed at conserving India’s endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), using captive breeding and ‘rear-and-release’ methods to boost wild populations.
• A pioneering project aimed at conserving India’s endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), using captive breeding and ‘rear-and-release’ methods to boost wild populations.
• Launched in: 1975
• Supported by: UNDP, FAO, Government of India
• State: Uttar Pradesh (Etawah district, Chambal River region)
• Launched By: Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh and Society for Conservation of Nature (SCON).
• Habitat:
• Primary Habitat: Chambal River (Uttar Pradesh) Ideal Conditions: Pristine, deep river stretches with minimal human disturbance Breeding Centre: Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, Lucknow
• Primary Habitat: Chambal River (Uttar Pradesh)
• Ideal Conditions: Pristine, deep river stretches with minimal human disturbance
• Breeding Centre: Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, Lucknow
• Objectives:
• Protect remaining gharial populations in natural habitats. Enhance population through captive breeding and staged release. Build awareness among local communities and involve them in conservation. Study habitat biology and gharial behaviour for scientific management. Develop sustainable coexistence with local fishing communities.
• Protect remaining gharial populations in natural habitats.
• Enhance population through captive breeding and staged release.
• Build awareness among local communities and involve them in conservation.
• Study habitat biology and gharial behaviour for scientific management.
• Develop sustainable coexistence with local fishing communities.
• Key Features:
• Egg Collection: Eggs gathered from natural nests along the Chambal River. Artificial Incubation: Controlled temperature and humidity ensure high hatch rates. Captive Rearing: Juveniles raised 3–5 years at Kukrail Centre to improve survival. Release Programme: Marked juveniles released in protected river stretches. Community Involvement: Fishermen and villagers engaged in conservation-friendly livelihoods.
• Egg Collection: Eggs gathered from natural nests along the Chambal River.
• Artificial Incubation: Controlled temperature and humidity ensure high hatch rates.
• Captive Rearing: Juveniles raised 3–5 years at Kukrail Centre to improve survival.
• Release Programme: Marked juveniles released in protected river stretches.
• Community Involvement: Fishermen and villagers engaged in conservation-friendly livelihoods.