Odisha Forest Department Releases GPS-Tagged Gharials into Mahanadi Gorge
In a significant move to bolster the population of critically endangered gharials, the wildlife wing of Odisha's forest department released 12 GPS-tagged gharials into the Mahanadi gorge at Sunakhania within the Satkosia Tiger Reserve on Sunday. This initiative is part of the ongoing species recovery program for gharials in the Mahanadi region.
Details of the Release and Monitoring Efforts
The released aquatic animals included 11 gharials from the Nandankanan Zoological Park and one adult female from the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit in Tikarapada. Sanath Kumar, director of Nandankanan zoo, stated, "The Nandankanan team, supported by Satkosia and Mahanadi wildlife divisions, executed the release of the transmitter-tagged gharials. Post-release monitoring is being conducted by research teams to evaluate their adaptation, movement, and survival in the wild. This marks a crucial step in strengthening the wild population of this critically endangered species in its natural habitat."
With this release, the total number of gharials in the Satkosia wild has increased to 27. Among these, 15 are equipped with transmitters, while the rest are without, as they were bred naturally in the Mahanadi gorge, according to wildlife officials.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Last year, the wildlife wing discovered 29 hatchlings of the endangered gharial on a sandbar in the Mahanadi gorge, marking the fifth consecutive year of natural breeding at the same nesting ground. However, officials highlight a major challenge: nesting occurs between March and May annually, but the survival rate of gharial hatchlings is a mere 0.1%, similar to that of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
A wildlife officer explained, "In the Mahanadi gorge, crocodiles are also present and are more aggressive. Their presence often leads to conflicts with gharials, pushing them upstream and causing them to stray into other connecting rivers and creeks. Recently, a dispersed adult gharial was rescued." To mitigate disturbances during nesting, authorities have prohibited anyone from venturing into the gorge.
Importance of Satkosia and Ongoing Programs
Satkosia is the only location in Odisha where gharials breed in the wild, and it houses a dedicated research and conservation unit. Officials noted that Nandankanan zoo is actively involved in Satkosia's gharial recovery program, which has received a four-year extension from 2023 to 2026, following an earlier phase from 2019 to 2022. Each phase of the recovery program is structured to last four years, emphasizing long-term commitment to conservation.
This release underscores the state's efforts to protect and revive the gharial population, addressing both natural breeding challenges and human-induced threats through strategic monitoring and habitat management.
