Critical Endangered gharials babies found in Odisha after 4 decades.

The Endangered gharials have been spotted in a natural nest near the odisha’s mahanadi river after 43 years in the Baladamara area near Satkosia. 

Suvendu Behera, Assistant Conservator of Forest said, “About 28 hatchlings were spotted in May in Mehanadi..”. The baby gharials are being closely monitored by the officials , and CCTV and drones are also being used,” Mr. Behera added. 

This particular variety under the crocodile family, has been moved from the ‘Endangered’ to ‘Critically Endangered’ status by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

Gharials can be easily distinguished from other crocodiles since they have long and narrow snouts and interlocking sharp teeth. 

The wild gharial population has declined drastically since the 1930’s due to the increase in industrialization.