The critically endangered gharial has been spotted in Kaziranga National Park after years, marking its return to Assam’s river systems and highlighting the success of ongoing conservation efforts, authorities said on Saturday.
The reptile, once believed to have disappeared from the state’s waterways, was sighted in a waterbody within the park, in what officials described as a significant development for wildlife conservation in the region.
“Once believed to have disappeared from Assam’s river systems, the critically endangered gharial has now been spotted at Kaziranga, a truly remarkable moment for wildlife conservation,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X.
An 18-second video clip shared by the CMO showed the reptile in a waterbody, filmed from a motor-powered boat.
The gharial, a South Asian crocodilian species, is known for its long, slender snout and primarily fish-based diet, and is listed among the most threatened reptile species globally.
“For tourists and forest officials alike, this was more than just a rare sighting. It was a powerful reminder of Assam’s extraordinary biodiversity and the silent success of sustained conservation efforts across our forests, wetlands and rivers,” the CMO said.
The sighting is expected to boost confidence in ongoing ecological restoration programmes and underline the importance of sustained conservation initiatives in preserving endangered species in the region.
Also read: MP govt to reintroduce crocodiles into Narmada River
Follow us
