DOCSLIB.ORG

Indian Gharial (Gavialis Gangeticus) on the Verge of Extinction

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Indian Gharial (Gavialis Gangeticus) on the Verge of Extinction CORRESPONDENCE the virus which has created havoc across disease seems to be the only possible so- 6. Naresh Kumar, C. V. M., Anthony John- geographical boundaries and age groups. lution. son, A. M. and Sai Gopal, D. V. R., Indian The Government should take the neces- J. Med. Res., 2007, 126, 534–540. sary steps during such outbreaks and a 7. Brouard, C. et al., Transfusion, 21 Febru- 1. Taubitz, W. et al., Clin. Infect. Dis., 2007, ary 2008. precautionary measure should be imple- mented for CHIKV screening in blood 45, e1–e4. 2. Robinson, M. C., Trans. R. Soc. Trop. banks. The impact and feasibility of Med. Hyg., 1955, 49, 28–32. C. V. M. NARESH KUMAR CHIKV in organ transplantation is yet to 3. Lumsden, W. H. R., Trans. R. Soc. Trop. D. V. R. SAI GOPAL* be understood. In the absence of a pre- Med. Hyg., 1955, 49, 33–57. ventive vaccine for CHIKV and to fur- 4. http://research.yale.edu/swahili/learn/?q=en/ Department of Virology, ther prevent any such CHIKV epidemics chikungunya_makonde Sri Venkateswara University, in the near future, establishment of a sys- 5. Parola, P. et al., Emerg. Infect. Dis., 2006, Tirupati 517 502, India tem for continuous surveillance of the 12, 1493–1499. *e-mail: [email protected] Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) on the verge of extinction Reptiles evolved on the earth some 200 1978–79 under the Crocodile Conserva- eggs have medicinal value. All these su- million years ago. Fossil records show tion Project for the protection of Indian perstitions have led to their decline in that they evolved in different ways and Gharial. This is the only wetland sanctu- Nepal. were semi-aquatic in habit, with charac- ary in India for the conservation and Gharials in Nepal were listed as ‘En- teristics similar to mammals and birds. management of crocodiles4. An alluvial dangered’ in the IUCN Red Data Book of Crocodiles find a place in ancient folk- belt of eroded banks, sandy islets, penin- 1975. The 2007 IUCN Red Data list of lore: Egyptians worshipped a god named sulas and deep sand banks of Chambal threatened species places the Indian Sobek, who had a human body and formed an ideal habitat for the Gharials Gharial in the ‘Critically Endangered’ crocodile head. for basking and nesting5. category7; and if the present rate of de- The Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeti- Apart from the National Chambal cline continues, the Indian Gharial will cus) is the oldest crocodilian and the sole Sanctuary, Orissa also forms a good soon become extinct. survivor of an evolutionary line called habitat for the Gharials. In fact, Orissa is archosauromorpha. The name ‘Gharial’ the only state in India to have all three originated from a ‘ghara’ or earthen pot species of Indian crocodiles, viz. mugger 1. Smith, M. A., The Fauna of British India including Ceylon and Burma. Reptiles and on their head1. or marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palus- Amphibians, 1, Taylor and Francis Ltd, The Gharials, once abundant in river tris), the saltwater or estuarine crocodile London, 1931, p. 185. systems of the Indian subcontinent (Crocodylus porosus) and Gharial (Gavi- 2. Neil, W. T., The Last of the Ruling Rep- with its range extending throughout the alis gangeticus). But the once abundant tiles: Alligators, Crocodiles and their Kin, Gangetic Plains, Indus river in Pakistan, Gharial population in three major river Columbia University Press, New York, northern Nepal and Bhutan, East Burma systems of Orissa, viz. Mahanadi, Brah- 1971, p. 486. and southern Orissa2, are reportedly ex- mani and Baitarani, showed a steady de- 3. Behura, B. K. and Singh, L., Indian For., tinct in Burma and Pakistan3. The Indian cline and by 1975 a small population of 1978, 83–92. Gharial is now confined to India, Nepal juvenile and adult Gharials survived only 4. Smith, M. A., The Fauna of British India, and Bangladesh, in scattered and isolated in the Mahanadi. including Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Amphibia, Vol. I. Loricata, Testudines, populations. Many factors, individually or in com- Indian reprint edition, New Delhi, 1933. The late 1970s saw a drastic decline in bination, were responsible for the drastic 5. Rao, R. J., Indian Wildlife – Threats and the Gharial population and distribution. decline of the Gharial population in the Preservation (ed. Sharma, B. D.), Anmol, In 1975, the Crocodile Conservation Pro- Indian subcontinent. Loss of habitat New Delhi, 2002, pp. 140–154. ject was initiated by the Government of owing to construction of reservoirs and 6. Mishra, H. R. and Maskey, T. M., Die India/UNDP, FAO in Uttar Pradesh, for dams, lack of stringent laws, trapping Inter. Zeitschrift fur Tier, Mench undue, the conservation of the Gharial. The pro- in fishing nets and erroneous supersti- Nat, 1981, pp. 15–18. ject involved two phases – captive breed- tions have made them one of the most 7. IUCN, Red List of Threatened Species, 2007; available online at www.IUCN.org ing and rehabilitation. Gharial eggs were vulnerable reptiles. Superstitions are part collected from the wild, incubated and of the South Asian tradition, but some of the resultant hatchlings were released them harm wildlife. A common belief of SUMAN D. GAD into the wild. At times, 90% of incubation a local tribe called ‘Tharu’ of Nepal as- of the eggs was done in situ in wild nests sociated with the Gharial is that the (S. Ramaseshan Fellow), and then the eggs were transported to ‘ghara’ kept under the pillow of pregnant c/o Vedpal Tari, hatcheries at rehabilitation centres for women relieved her of her labour pain6. D-3/F, Gen. Pool, complete incubation. Another belief is that incense sticks Government Quarters, The National Chambal Sanctuary made of ‘ghara’ when burnt in fields Altinho-Panaji, (25°30′–26°52′N and 76°28′–79°00′E) acted as a pesticide. In addition, the Goa 403 001, India was founded over Chambal river in ‘Tharu’ community believes that Gharial e-mail: [email protected] CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 94, NO. 12, 25 JUNE 2008 1549.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tomistoma Tomistoma Schlegelii Mark R
    Tomistoma Tomistoma schlegelii Mark R. Bezuijen1, Bruce M. Shwedick2, Ralf Sommerlad3, Colin Stevenson4 and Robert B. Steubing5 1 PO Box 183, Ferny Creek, Victoria 3786, Australia ([email protected]); 2 Crocodile Conservation Services, PO Box 3176, Plant City, FL 33563, USA ([email protected]); 3 Roedelheimer Landstr. 42, Frankfurt, Hessen 60487, Germany ([email protected]); 4 Crocodile Encounters, 37 Mansfi eld Drive, Merstham, Surrey, UK ([email protected]); 5 10 Locust Hill Road, Cincinnati, OH 45245, USA ([email protected]) Common Names: Tomistoma, sunda gharial, false gharial, 2009 IUCN Red List: EN (Endangered. Criteria: C1: buaya sumpit, buaya senjulung/Julung (Indonesia), takong Population estimate is less than 2500 mature individuals, (Thailand) with continuing decline of at least 25% within 5 years or two generations. Widespread, but in low numbers; IUCN 2009). It is likely that criteria A1(c): “a decline in the area Range: Indonesia (Kalimantan, Sumatra, Java), Malaysia of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or decline in habitat” (Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak), Brunei, Thailand also applies, as habitat loss is the key threat to the species. (extirpated?) (Last assessed in 2000). Principal threats: Habitat destruction Ecology and Natural History Tomistoma (Tomistoma schlegelii) is a freshwater, mound- nesting crocodilian with a distinctively long, narrow snout. It is one of the largest of crocodilians, with males attaining lengths of up to 5 m. The current distribution of Tomistoma extends over lowland regions of eastern Sumatra, Kalimantan and western Java (Indonesia) and Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia (Malaysia), within 5 degrees north and south of the equator (Stuebing et al. 2006). Tomistoma apparently occurred in southern Thailand historically, but there have been no reports since at least the 1970s and it is probably extirpated there (Ratanakorn et al.
    [Show full text]
  • The Contribution of Skull Ontogenetic Allometry and Growth Trajectories to the Study of Crocodylian Relationships
    EVOLUTION & DEVELOPMENT 12:6, 568–579 (2010) DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-142X.2010.00442.x The Gavialis--Tomistoma debate: the contribution of skull ontogenetic allometry and growth trajectories to the study of crocodylian relationships Paolo Piras,a,b,Ã Paolo Colangelo,c Dean C. Adams,d Angela Buscalioni,e Jorge Cubo,f Tassos Kotsakis,a,b Carlo Meloro,g and Pasquale Raiah,b aDipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Universita` Roma Tre, Largo San Leonardo Murialdo, 1, 00146 Roma, Italy bCenter for Evolutionary Ecology, Largo San Leonardo Murialdo, 1, 00146 Roma, Italy cDipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie ‘‘Charles Darwin,’’ Universita` di Roma ‘‘La Sapienza’’, via Borelli 50, 00161 Roma, Italy dDepartment of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA eUnidad de Paleontologı´a, Departamento de Biologı´a, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Auto´noma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain fUniversite´ Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR CNRS 7193-iSTeP, Equipe Biomineralisations, 4 Pl Jussieu, BC 19, Paris 75005, France gHull York Medical School, The University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, UK hDipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Universita‘ degli Studi Federico II, L.go San Marcellino 10, 80138 Napoli, Italy ÃAuthor for correspondence (email: [email protected]) SUMMARY The phylogenetic placement of Tomistoma and stages of development. Based on a multivariate regression of Gavialis crocodiles depends largely upon whether molecular or shape data and size, Tomistoma seems to possess a peculiar morphological data are utilized. Molecular analyses consider rate of growth in comparison to the remaining taxa. However, its them as sister taxa, whereas morphological/paleontological morphology at both juvenile and adult sizes is always closer to analyses set Gavialis apart from Tomistoma and other those of Brevirostres crocodylians, for the entire head shape, crocodylian species.
    [Show full text]
  • Master of the Marsh Information for Cart
    Mighty MikeMighty Mike:Mike: The Master of the Marsh A story of when humans and predators meet Alligators are magnificent predators that have lived for millions of years and demonstrate amazing adaptations for survival. Their “recent” interaction with us demonstrates the importance of these animals and that we have a vital role to play in their survival. Primary Exhibit Themes: 1. American Alligators are an apex predator and a keystone species of wetland ecosystems throughout the southern US, such as the Everglades. 2. Alligators are an example of a conservation success story. 3. The wetlands that alligators call home are important ecosystems that are in need of protection. Primary Themes and Supporting Facts 1. Alligators are an apex predator and, thus, a keystone species of wetland ecosystems throughout the southern US, such as the Everglades. a. The American Alligator is known as the “Master of the Marsh” or “King of the Everglades” b. What makes a great predator? Muscles, Teeth, Strength & Speed i. Muscles 1. An alligator has the strongest known bite of any land animal – up to 2,100 pounds of pressure. 2. Most of the muscle in an alligators jaw is intended for biting and gripping prey. The muscles for opening their jaws are relatively weak. This is why an adult man can hold an alligators jaw shut with his bare hands. Don’t try this at home! ii. Teeth 1. Alligators have up to 80 teeth. 2. Their conical teeth are used for catching the prey, not tearing it apart. 3. They replace their teeth as they get worn and fall out.
    [Show full text]
  • Does Reintroduction Stabilize the Population of the Critically Endangered Gharial (Gavialis Gangeticus, Gavialidae) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal?
    AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS Aquatic Conserv: Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst. 20: 756–761 (2010) Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI: 10.1002/aqc.1151 Does reintroduction stabilize the population of the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus, Gavialidae) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal? JEAN-MARIE BALLOUARDa,b,Ã, PAULINE PRIOLc, JEAN OISONa, ALEXANDRE CILIBERTIa and ANTOINE CADIa aAWELY, des animaux et des hommes, 3 rue de la Croix blanche, 89260 Thorigny/Oreuse, France bCEBC-CNRS, 79360 Villiers en bois, France cCISTUDE NATURE, Chemin du moulinat, 33185 le Haillan, France ABSTRACT 1. Despite conservation programmes (India 1975, Nepal 1978) gharial populations (Gavialis gangeticus) have declined over their entire distribution range. Information about the current status and main threats is needed to implement effective conservation measures. 2. This study presents a survey (2003/2004) of the largest Nepalese gharial population in the Chitwan National Park that has benefited from regular re-introduction of young gharials since 1981. 3. Population size estimates fluctuate between 34 (2003) and 38 (2004). The reintroduction programme, although of limited success, has helped to maintain the gharial population. 4. Gharials bask preferentially in large sand banks, and these sites must be protected. 5. The main threats are from a dam that causes fish depletion and flushes gharials from the protected area, sand mining and grazing that destroy basking sites, fishing that causes food shortage, drift nets that kill gharial, and water pollution. 6. Improvement in the survival of reintroduced gharials is needed. Strict protection of preferred basking sites and prohibition of fishing in the main settling zones are the principal conservation measures while in the long term, education and participatory management by local people are also necessary.
    [Show full text]
  • Vocalizations in Two Rare Crocodilian Species: a Comparative Analysis of Distress Calls of Tomistoma Schlegelii (Müller, 1838) and Gavialis Gangeticus (Gmelin, 1789)
    NORTH-WESTERN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 11 (1): 151-162 ©NwjZ, Oradea, Romania, 2015 Article No.: 141513 http://biozoojournals.ro/nwjz/index.html Vocalizations in two rare crocodilian species: A comparative analysis of distress calls of Tomistoma schlegelii (Müller, 1838) and Gavialis gangeticus (Gmelin, 1789) René BONKE1,*, Nikhil WHITAKER2, Dennis RÖDDER1 and Wolfgang BÖHME1 1. Herpetology Department, Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig (ZFMK), Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany. 2. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, P.O. Box 4, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu 603 104, S.India. *Corresponding author, R. Bonke, E-mail: [email protected] Received: 07. August 2013 / Accepted: 16. October 2014 / Available online: 17. January 2015 / Printed: June 2015 Abstract. We analysed 159 distress calls of five individuals of T. schlegelii for temporal parameters and ob- tained spectral parameters in 137 of these calls. Analyses of G. gangeticus were based on 39 distress calls of three individuals, of which all could be analysed for temporal and spectral parameters. Our results document differences in the call structure of both species. Distress calls of T. schlegelii show numerous harmonics, whereas extensive pulse trains are present in G. gangeticus. In the latter, longer call durations and longer in- tervals between calls resulted in lower call repetition rates. Dominant frequencies of T. schlegelii are higher than in G. gangeticus. T. schlegelii specimens showed a negative correlation of increasing body size with de- creasing dominant frequencies. Distress call durations increased with body size. T. schlegelii distress calls share only minor structural features with distress calls of G. gangeticus. Key words: Tomistoma schlegelii, Gavialis gangeticus, distress calls, temporal parameters, spectral parameters.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogenetic Taphonomy: a Statistical and Phylogenetic
    Drumheller and Brochu | 1 1 PHYLOGENETIC TAPHONOMY: A STATISTICAL AND PHYLOGENETIC 2 APPROACH FOR EXPLORING TAPHONOMIC PATTERNS IN THE FOSSIL 3 RECORD USING CROCODYLIANS 4 STEPHANIE K. DRUMHELLER1, CHRISTOPHER A. BROCHU2 5 1. Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 6 Tennessee, 37996, U.S.A. 7 2. Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 8 52242, U.S.A. 9 email: [email protected] 10 RRH: CROCODYLIAN BITE MARKS IN PHYLOGENETIC CONTEXT 11 LRH: DRUMHELLER AND BROCHU Drumheller and Brochu | 2 12 ABSTRACT 13 Actualistic observations form the basis of many taphonomic studies in paleontology. 14However, surveys limited by environment or taxon may not be applicable far beyond the bounds 15of the initial observations. Even when multiple studies exploring the potential variety within a 16taphonomic process exist, quantitative methods for comparing these datasets in order to identify 17larger scale patterns have been understudied. This research uses modern bite marks collected 18from 21 of the 23 generally recognized species of extant Crocodylia to explore statistical and 19phylogenetic methods of synthesizing taphonomic datasets. Bite marks were identified, and 20specimens were then coded for presence or absence of different mark morphotypes. Attempts to 21find statistical correlation between trace types, marking animal vital statistics, and sample 22collection protocol were unsuccessful. Mapping bite mark character states on a eusuchian 23phylogeny successfully predicted the presence of known diagnostic, bisected marks in extinct 24taxa. Predictions for clades that may have created multiple subscores, striated marks, and 25extensive crushing were also generated. Inclusion of fossil bite marks which have been positively 26associated with extinct species allow this method to be projected beyond the crown group.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification Notes &~@~-/~: ~~*~@~,~ 'PTILE
    CATEGORY Identification Notes &~@~-/~: ~~*~@~,~ ‘PTILE for wildlife law enforcement ~ C.rnrn.n N.rn./s: Al@~O~, c~~~dil., ~i~.xl, Gharial PROBLEM: Skulls of Crocodilians are often imported as souvenirs. nalch (-”W 4(JI -“by ieeth ??la&ularJy+i9 GUIDE TO PRELIMINARY IDENTIFICATION OF CROCODILL4N SKULLS 1. Nasal bones separated from nasal aperture; mandibular symphysis extends to the 15th tooth. 2. Gavialis gangeticus Nasal bones entering the nasal aperture; mandibular symphysisdoes not extend beyond the8th tooth . Tomistoma schlegelii 2. Nasal bones separated from premaxillary bones; 27 -29maxi11aryteeth,25 -26mandibularteeth Nasal bones in contact with premaxillaq bo Qoco@khs acutus teeth, 18-19 mandibular teeth . Tomiitomaschlegelii 3. Fourth mandibular tooth usually fitting into a notch in the maxilla~, 16-19 maxillary teeth, 14-15 mandibular teeth . .4 Osteolaemus temaspis Fourth mandibular tooth usually fitting into a pit in the maxilla~, 14-20 maxillary teeth, 17-22 mandibular teeth . .5 4. Nasal bones do not divide nasal aperture. .. CrocodylW (12 species) Alligator m&siss@piensh Nasalboncx divide nasal aperture . Osteolaemustetraspk. 5. Nasal bones do not divide nasal aperture. .6 . Paleosuchus mgonatus Bony septum divides nasal aperture . .. Alligator (2 species) 6. Fiveteethinpremaxilla~ bone . .7 . Melanosuchus niger Four teeth in premaxillary bone. ...Paleosuchus (2species) 7. Vomerexposed on the palate . Melanosuchusniger Caiman crocodiles Vomer not exposed on palate . ...”..Caiman (2species) Illustrations from: Moo~ C. C 1921 Me&m, F. 19S1 L-.. Submitted by: Stephen D. Busack, Chief, Morphology Section, National Fish& Wildlife Forensics LabDate submitted 6/3/91 Prepared in cooperation with the National Fkh & Wdlife Forensics Laboratoy, Ashlar@ OR, USA ‘—m More on reverse side>>> IDentMcation Notes CATEGORY: REPTILE for wildlife law enforcement -- Crocodylia II CAmmom Nda Alligator, Crocodile, Caiman, Gharial REFERENCES Medem, F.
    [Show full text]
  • Discovery of 13-Million-Year-Old Long-Snouted Croc Fossil Suggests Parallel Evolution of “Telescoping” Eyes
    Media Inquiries: Kendra Snyder, Department of Communications 212-769-3419; [email protected] www.amnh.org _____________________________________________________________________________________ April 20, 2016 DISCOVERY OF 13-MILLION-YEAR-OLD LONG-SNOUTED CROC FOSSIL SUGGESTS PARALLEL EVOLUTION OF “TELESCOPING” EYES SLENDER-SNOUTED GAVIALOIDS IN SOUTH AMERICA AND INDIA EVOLVED SEPARATELY TO ADOPT RIVER-DWELLING LIFESTYLE Fossils of a 13-million-year-old extinct crocodilian from the Peruvian Amazon suggest that South American and Indian species evolved separately to acquire protruding, “telescoped” eyes that helped the animals conceal their bodies underwater while scanning the river’s edge. The new study, published today in the journal PLOS ONE, provides a long-sought insight about the extremely long and slender-snouted gavialoids—one of the three major types of crocodilians, along with alligators and crocodiles—that are represented today by just one living species, the Indian gharial. “The extraordinarily well-preserved fossils of this new 13-million-year-old gharial document how independent, parallel evolution of long-snouted animals with specialized visual systems occurred across continents,” said John Flynn, Frick Curator of Fossil Mammals at the American Museum of Natural History and an author on the paper. “Continued paleontological exploration of the Amazon Basin is essential for discovering fossils that reveal more about the origins and history of tropical South America’s extraordinarily rich modern biological communities and habitats.” Known for their elongated, narrow snouts, and sharp, piercing teeth, gavialoids are a diverse group of mostly extinct crocodilians that lived in an array of tropical regions including in South America and India. Many of the evolutionary relationships between these species remain unclear.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogenetic Analysis of a New Morphological Dataset Elucidates the Evolutionary History of Crocodylia and Resolves the Long-Standing Gharial Problem
    Phylogenetic analysis of a new morphological dataset elucidates the evolutionary history of Crocodylia and resolves the long-standing gharial problem Jonathan P. Rio1 and Philip D. Mannion2* 1Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK 2Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK *Corresponding author (email address: [email protected]) ABSTRACT First appearing in the latest Cretaceous, Crocodylia is a clade of mostly semi-aquatic, predatory reptiles, defined by the last common ancestor of extant alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gharials. Despite large strides in resolving extant and fossil crocodylian interrelationships over the last three decades, several outstanding problems persist in crocodylian systematics. Most notably, there has been persistent discordance between morphological and molecular datasets surrounding the affinities of the extant gharials, Gavialis gangeticus and Tomistoma schlegelii. Whereas molecular data consistently support a sister relationship between the extant gharials, which appear to be more closely related to crocodylids than to alligatorids, morphological data indicate that Gavialis is the sister taxon to all other extant crocodylians. Here we present a new morphological dataset for Crocodylia, based on a critical reappraisal of published crocodylian character data matrices and extensive first-hand observations of a global sample of crocodylians. This comprises the most taxonomically comprehensive crocodylian dataset to date (144 OTUs scored for 330 characters) and includes a new, illustrated character list with modifications to the construction and scoring of characters, and 46 novel characters. Under a maximum parsimony framework, our analyses robustly recover Gavialis as more closely related to Tomistoma than to other extant crocodylians for the first time based on morphology alone.
    [Show full text]
  • Gavialis Gangeticus
    CROCODILES Proceedings of the World Crocodile Conference, 22nd Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the IUCN convened at Negombo, Sri Lanka, 21-23 May 2013 Dedicated to Dr. Paulus Edward Pieris Deraniyagala (8th of May 1900 - 1st December 1973) (Unreviewed) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196, Gland, Switzerland 2013 Front cover: Saltwater Crocodile, Crocodylus porosus. © Ruchira Somaweera Mugger Crocodile, Crocodylus palustris. © Ruchira Somaweera Gharial, Gavialis gangeticus. © Ruchira Somaweera Title Page : P.E.P. Deraniyagala. © Siran Deraniyagala Literature citations should read as follows: For individual articles: [Authors]. (2013). [Article title]. Pp. [page numbers] in World Crocodile Conference. Proceedings of the 22nd Working Meeting of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. IUCN: Gland, Switzerland. For the volume: Crocodile Specialist Group (2013). World Crocodile Conference. Proceedings of the 22nd Working Meeting of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. IUCN: Gland, Switzerland. © 2013 CSG - Crocodile Specialist Group The designation of geographical entities in this book and the presentation of the material do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The opinions expressed in this volume are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent official policy of the IUCN or CSG or its members. Reproduction of this publication for educational and other non-commercial purposes is authorized from the copyright holder, provided the source is cited and the copyright holder receives copy of the reproduced material.
    [Show full text]
  • Gavialis Gangeticus) Gharial Sanctuary
    International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation Vol. 3(1), pp. 19-23, January 2011 Available online http://www.academicjournals.org/ijbc ISSN 2141-243X ©2011 Academic Journals Full Length Research Paper A survey of habitat invetorization and habitat potentiality for sustenance of Gharial in Sone (Gavialis gangeticus) Gharial Sanctuary 1 2 2 R. K. Sharma , Hari Singh * and Niladri Dasgupta 1Deori Gharial Rearing Centre Morena, Madhya Pradesh, India. 2Department of Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474011, India. Accepted 10 December, 2010 The present study was carried out to find out the diversity of Gharial and potential habitat for its survival. A total of 161 km area in the Sanctuary was studied and data related with population of Gharial, habitat features, river profile, human activities and threats were collected. The Sone River apparently supports a few viable populations of Gharial. The population of Gharial shows 40% reduction since 1996 to 2010 in Sone Gharial Sanctuary. Much of the river was found sub-optimal for sustenance of viable population of Gharial for low flow conditions due to construction of Dam at upstream region. The other stretches have potentiality as good habitat for Gharial as some of them are presently used by the species for nesting. Some recommendations have been suggested on the basis of the observations to maintain those habitats for propagation, release and management of the species to raise the present population to a stabilized and viable one. Key words: Gharial, population, habitat features, conservation, threats. INTRODUCTION Of the 23 species of crocodilians, which inhibit a range of Gharial populations are restricted to India and Nepal and aquatic ecosystem, four species are critically are highly fragmented.
    [Show full text]
  • Fossil Crocodilians from the High Guajira Peninsula of Colombia, and the History of Neogene Crocodilian Diversity in Tropical South America Jorge W
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Dissertations & Theses in Earth and Atmospheric Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of Sciences Spring 4-25-2014 Fossil Crocodilians from the High Guajira Peninsula of Colombia, and the History of Neogene Crocodilian Diversity in Tropical South America Jorge W. Moreno-Bernal University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/geoscidiss Part of the Biodiversity Commons, Evolution Commons, and the Paleontology Commons Moreno-Bernal, Jorge W., "Fossil Crocodilians from the High Guajira Peninsula of Colombia, and the History of Neogene Crocodilian Diversity in Tropical South America" (2014). Dissertations & Theses in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. 49. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/geoscidiss/49 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations & Theses in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. FOSSIL CROCODILIANS FROM THE HIGH GUAJIRA PENINSULA OF COLOMBIA, AND THE HISTORY OF NEOGENE CROCODILIAN DIVERSITY IN TROPICAL SOUTH AMERICA by Jorge W. Moreno-Bernal A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science Major: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Under the Supervision of Professor Jason Head Lincoln, Nebraska April, 2014 FOSSIL CROCODILIANS FROM THE HIGH GUAJIRA PENINSULA OF COLOMBIA, AND THE HISTORY OF NEOGENE CROCODILIAN DIVERSITY IN TROPICAL SOUTH AMERICA Jorge W. Moreno-Bernal, M.S.
    [Show full text]