Gharial conservation in northern India
Since 2008, Prague Zoo has been supporting projects aimed at saving the gharial, a unique crocodilian species facing a serious threat of extinction. From the mid-20th century to the beginning of the new millennium, its overall population declined by more than 95 %.
| Focal species: gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) Where we help: India (National Chambal Sanctuary) Habitat: rivers in an area with tropical, monsoon climate Project active since: 2008 |
Gharials under threat
Today, the main threats to gharials include:
- river regulation and dam construction
- illegal sand mining
- fishing and poaching
- water pollution
The Chambal River
The Chambal River valley in northern India is home not only to the world’s largest population of gharials but also several other critically endangered species. It is here that we participate in the protection and research of the gharial in its natural habitat.
Supported projects include
- zoological research
- active protection of gharials against poaching
- capacity building, educational and awareness-raising activities in areas where gharials occur
ZOOPRAHA.CZ
Contacts
- The Prague zoological garden
U Trojskeho zamku 120/3
171 00 Praha 7
Phone.: (+420) 296 112 230 (public relations department)
e-mail: zoopraha@zoopraha.cz
Others
