3,000 gharial eggs, yet doubt looms over their survival

KANPUR: Around 3,000 gharial eggs have hatched in 65 to 70 nests this year, the highest recorded since gharial conservation efforts began in 1979 in National Chambal Sanctuary. Though the numbers are impressive but not many young ones survive to make it to adulthood.
Wildlife experts say that such a good number of hatchlings show that the population of gharial is increasing.The reptile is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is also listed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act-1972, which includes animals such as rhinoceroses, elephants, lions, tigers and snakes. In 2007, there were around 200 adult gharials.
In 2015, the count of hatchings was around 2,000 in 50 to 60 nests.
"In 2007, around 112 adult gharials died. Investigations by IVRI suggested the possibility of poisoning by metal pollutants. The situation has improved as there is increase hatchling in the past couple of years. The number of nests has gone up to 70 from 15 in 2007-08," Society for Conservation of Nature secretary Rajiv Chauhan said. "The sanctuary staff was deputed to keep a vigil on the banks of Chambal during the nesting season, which starts from March and ends in May. The nests are counted. The nesting spot is fenced with wires to protect the eggs from predators" National Chambal Sanctuary warden Suresh Chandra Rajput said.