Population Surveys and Monitoring
Population monitoring surveys are vital to determine the status of gharial populations and monitor the success of conservation efforts, to devise future conservation strategies, and to provide concrete information to governments to advise policy. A survey of the Chambal River was recently completed (April 2007). Surveys of other known and potential gharial habitat areas will be conducted later this year. These surveys will be continued annually or biannually.
Hatchling Survival and Dispersal
GCA members and partners in the field are monitoring gharial nests, hatching rates, and hatchling survival. A satellite-tracking study will be carried out with hatchlings released into the Mahanadi River in Orissa to determine their survival rates and track their dispersal movements. Similar tracking studies would be extremely beneficial for gharial population management and to determine the effectiveness of restocking programs. If wild releases are to be carried out monitoring such as this will be necessary. The GCA is seeking to carry out similar studies throughout gharial range areas.
Gharial Information Database (GID)
The GCA has initiated the creation of a Gharial Information Database, combining all past and current population data, ecological data, captive breeding and husbandry information, and other relevant biological data on gharials. The GID will be continually updated as future surveys and research are conducted. |
