Gharial

It’s May, we are in the peak summer. Braving the raging sun, wildlife enthusiasts queue up in National parks to get glimpse of His/Her majesty, who often give nonchalant look to their die-hard admirers, probably well knowing that even a small acknowledgement can cause excitement in the jungle.

On the other hand, there are many creatures who are quietly but stubbornly go about their lives, away from the paparazzi. These less protected and more exploited species often receive little attention compared to the more iconic animals. 

Let’s get to know one such marvel: the Gharial. These extraordinary creatures has a unique life cycle and fascinating behaviours.

As one of the largest crocodilian species, Gharials are not only elusive and shy but also critically endangered. Their breeding, hatching, and nurturing of hatchlings is a unique phenomena in itself.

Gharials lay their eggs on sandy riverbanks around March which incubates for around 60-90 days.

Around sometime in the month of May female Gharials open their nests, and I eagerly wait for this significant moment. It’s during this period when all the conservation efforts to save them come together. 

A female gharial typically lays between 20 to 50 eggs in a single clutch. 

As soon as I heard the news , I packed my bags and headed to the Chambal river to photograph the hatchlings. 

My excitement was palpable as the boat approached one of the few egg-laying sites along this vast stretch of the river.  From distance, I could spot the broken white eggshells, confirming that a female had indeed opened another nest early in the morning.

Fascinating behaviour of hatchlings calling from inside the eggs prompt mother to carefully uncover the nest. With a survival rate of only 1% for gharial hatchlings, the miracle of life becomes profound in such cases in the wild. To combat the odds of survival, they rely on producing large numbers, hoping that a few will survive to adulthood.

This year, North India experienced unprecedented summers. Temperature soared to whooping 52 degrees Celsius, which unfortunately resulted lesser hatched eggs. 

Nevertheless the sight of survivors huddled together in the shallow water near the riverbanks was truly uplifting. As if in the absence of direct parental care, they instinctively rely on each other for support and protection

The spectacle of hundreds of snouts and bodies crisscrossing each other, created a mesmerising reflection on the rippling water was chaotic yet delightful to look at.

The most challenging part was to capture harmonious frames in this commotion, moments which portrays the essence of their fragile beginning of life.

Parents seemingly perceive all boats as threats which stops to look at the hatchlings. 

As we parked ourselves female emerged from under the water and keeps a watchful eye from distance. 

Gradually, she started inching closer to hatchlings, occasionally emitting warning sounds which would make them rush towards her, climb onto her back for safety and warmth.

This remarkable behaviours kept my camera shutter going and left me in complete awe.

As the monsoon gets stronger, challenges and river both swells up. The rising river waters disperse the young hatchlings from each other and from their mother.  Although hatchlings do not receive direct parental care, presence of an adult nearby provide indirect protection.

Survival is tough due to various factors, be it strong current, predators or human interference. These obstacle play a significant role in their continuance and only the strongest survives battling all the odds and even fewer reach to adulthood.

Yet, There is a glimmer of hope as the Gharial population is getting stabilised in some pockets. With more awareness and focused conservation efforts, I am optimistic that these shy creatures will bounce back. And in the near future we will see many more of their distinctive snouts silently floating in the riverine landscape.

“We have a responsibility toward the other life-forms of our planet whose continued existence is threatened by the thoughtless behavior of our own human species. . . .

Environmental responsibility – for if there is no God, then, obviously, it is up to us to put things right.”
― Jane GoodallReason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey