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Rare Gharial Surfaces Near Odisha City Bridge
14 Jan
Summary
- A 12-foot gharial was sighted near the Madhusudan Setu bridge in Odisha.
- The rare reptile was found unusually close to a populated city area.
- Officials monitored the situation; no close encounters with humans occurred.
Last month, a rare 12-foot gharial, a crocodile relative, was sighted near the Madhusudan Setu bridge in Odisha, India, drawing significant public attention. This unusual appearance so close to a city prompted local forestry officials to monitor the situation closely, ensuring public safety.
The gharial was observed basking on a sandy bank, having drifted downstream from its typical environment. This deviation from its usual habitat has led to speculation that higher-than-usual water levels in the Mahanadi River may have been a contributing factor.
Such wildlife incursions into populated areas are becoming more frequent, often linked to habitat loss and extreme weather events amplified by climate change. Addressing air pollution is suggested as a measure to mitigate these occurrences and protect wildlife habitats.
