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Rare Gharial Sighted in Assam's Rivers!
7 Oct
Summary
- A critically endangered gharial was photographed on a sandbar near river confluence.
- The sighting occurred outside a designated protected area, highlighting habitat value.
- This recent record prompts calls for systematic surveys of gharials in the region.
A rare sighting of a critically endangered gharial in Assam's Tinsukia district has brought renewed attention to the ecological significance of the Lohit-Brahmaputra river landscape. The gharial, photographed on September 25 during a biodiversity survey, was seen basking on a sandbar near the confluence of the Lohit and Brahmaputra rivers.
This observation is particularly noteworthy as it occurred outside a designated protected area, suggesting that crucial wildlife habitats extend beyond these zones. Conservationists emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and systematic surveys to ascertain the gharial population's status and distribution within the Brahmaputra basin.
The gharial, characterized by its long, narrow snout, is listed as critically endangered due to habitat alteration, sand mining, and other human-induced threats. Previous sightings near Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Kaziranga National Park in the past year indicate a potential presence in eastern Assam, encouraging further detailed studies.
