Unraveling Population Trend of a Critically Endangered Freshwater Crocodylian, Gharial (<i>Gavialis gangeticus</i>) in the National Chambal Sanctuary, India.

ABSTRACT: The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), an endemic freshwater crocodylian species, has shown signs of recovery following a severe population decline, primarily due to concerted conservation efforts initiated in the mid-1970s. However, despite decades of sustained conservation initiatives, critical information on population trends, nesting success, and winter habitat use remains lacking, which is essential for guiding and refining future conservation strategies. The present study assesses the population trend, size class composition, nesting success and factors influencing gharial distribution in the National Chambal Sanctuary, which harbours ≈80% of the global gharial population. The population trend analysis indicated a positive growth rate ( r¯  = 0.032) and a finite rate of population

SUBMITTER: Sharma SP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12690217 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature