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More gharials die in Chambal

Photo: V.V. Krishnan

UNDER THREAT: The gharial population in decreasing rapidly.

BHOPAL: The bodies of six gharials , a highly endangered crocodile species, have been found in the Chambal Gharial Sanctuary along a 15-km stretch near Barhighat in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh.

Taking into account the latest casualty figures, the number of gharials which have perished in the Chambal sanctuary within a small stretch falling in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh since December 8 has gone up to 42. Forest and wildlife experts here point out that the death of a large number of gharials in such a short span of time is a serious matter. It indicates that two of the most endangered species - gharial and the Gangetic dolphins - could be facing extinction in the Chambal river terrain.

A State Forest Department official when contacted said on condition of anonymity that pollution might be eating into the gharial population. He said the post-mortem feedback from the Bareilly Veterinary Research Institute does not rule out the possibility of lead poisoning.

Autopsy on the dead gharials has revealed liver damage and ulceration of stomach and intestines. Sample tests have also indicated lead contamination in the waters of the Chambal, the forest official added.

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More gharials die in Chambal

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