Context: The Assam government has issued notification to make Orang National Park more than thrice its existing size and has planned to reintroduce Gharials into the expanded area.
About Gharials
Gharials are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts.
Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and more
India has three species of Crocodilians namely:
Gharial: IUCN Red List- Critically Endangered
Mugger crocodile: IUCN- Vulnerable.
Saltwater crocodile: IUCN- Least Concern.
All the three are listed on Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
However, Saltwater Crocodile populations of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are included in Appendix II of CITES.
Habitats include: Fresh waters of the northern India – Chambal river, Ghagra, Gandak river and the Sone river (Bihar).
Population of Gharials is a good indicator of clean river water.
Conservation Efforts:
Breeding Centres of Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, National Chambal Sanctuary (Gharial Eco Park, Madhya Pradesh).
Orang National Park
It is located in Assam.
It is on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, and is strategic to the Kaziranga Orang Riverine Landscape.
It was recognised as a tiger reserve in 2016 and is often called ‘Mini Kaziranga’
It is known for the one-horned rhino, tigers, elephants, wild boars, pygmy hogs, and a variety of fish, among a host of other flora and fauna species.
