| Son Gharial Sanctuary-Son River |
| Madhya Pradesh, India |
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| Habitat Area (length x river width): |
402 km of gharial habitat |
| Significance: |
The third breeding population in India. |
|
| Status: |
Fragile and vulnerable |
|
| Latest survey results (2006): |
 |
2 adults |
|
2 Nests seen (First gharial nests found in 30 years) |
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Illegal fishing |
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Sand mining |
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| Recommendations: |
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No further releases of captive bred gharials |
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Intensive monitoring required. |
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Expand limits of sanctuary to MP/UP border |
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| The Son is a tributary of the Ganges, and the Son Sanctuary is potentially an important gharial habitat. A total of 200 km of river (Son, Banas and Gopad Rivers) with a width of 200 m of riverbank on either side are protected. Two hundred and sixty three head-started gharials were released here and the first nest in more than 30 years was found in April 2006. With stringent management and mitigation of threats such as fishing and sand mining, the Son, though only small parts are suitable habitat, could well provide the best opportunity for gharial survival after the Chambal. |
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