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The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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CONTENTS Page
Acknowledgements…...……………………………………………………………………........2
Summary………………………………………………………………………………………...3
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..4
Description of study area…………………………………........................................................ 5
Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………..7
Methodology………………………………………………………………………….................8
Results…………………………………………………………………………………………..10
Discussion…………………………………………………………………………….................15
Fauna and Flora Report……………………………………………………………………….18
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………....21
Appendix………………………………………………………………………………………..22
Funding, Budget & Support…………………………………………………………………...29
Plates…………………………………………………………………………………………….31
References…………………………………………………………………………….................37
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the help and support of everyone involved in the completion of this project. We thank
our porters and field assistants; Bharatlal Gurjar, Radheshyam Gurjar, Ramswaroop Gurjar, Kamlesh
Gurjar and Gorelal Meena for their hard work and assistance. Mr.Chandraprakash Sharma and Brijender
for hospitality during our stay at Sawai Madhopur.
We thank Mr.Gaurav Kataria-The wildlife Travels (New Delhi), Mr.Giri Cavale and Mr.Gopakumar for
their generous contribution towards the expedition. We also acknowledge the contributions of Mr.Girish
Kamath & Mrs.Anuradha Kamath, Mrs.Navina Ponnappa and Mr.Siddarth Reddy. We extend gratitude
towards WIRON marketing and Wirelite India for monetary support, Mr.Shardul Bajikar for aiding us
with Petzl field equipment.
We thank Dr. Dharmendra Khandal, Conservation Biologist, Tiger Watch, Mr. R.K. Chourey, Tiger
Watch Associate and Mr.Rajeev Singh, Accounts manager, Tiger Watch, for helping us with logistics and
managing funds. We also wish to thank Mr.B.C Choudhury for his able guidance. We remain grateful to
Mr.Balendu Singh (Hotel Dev Vilas, Ranthambhore) and Mr. Nagendra Singh Hada (Taj Sawai
Madhopur Lodge) for their encouragement and support.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Summary
The Gharial Expedition is a survey done along the Chambal River to document Gharial populations in
one segment from the Rajasthan side of the National Chambal Sanctuary. The Chambal River is a
tributary of the Yamuna River, flowing through the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar
Pradesh in central India. Following a mass death of Gharials during the winter of 2007, an ‘expedition’
was launched by the organization Tiger Watch, Ranthambhore. The segment surveyed during
the expedition is the first 110 kilometres from Pali heading downstream towards a village called Khirkan.
The expedition in discussion was the third of its kind after two previous surveys done in January 2008
and then in December 2008.
The first Gharial Expedition was carried out in January 2008. Documentation of high population areas,
evident threats to the Gharial, human interference and also a checklist of all other fauna in the study area
formed a part of the expedition. The expedition ended with a total count of 82 Gharials.
The second Gharial Expedition took place in December 2008. The team surveyed the same stretch of the
river and recorded Gharial numbers. This time, importance was given to documentation of habitat
destruction and quantification of the threats. The expedition ended with a total count of 124 Gharials,
including one dead specimen. The dead Gharial, caught in a fish net, was the first death reported from the
Rajasthan side of the river.
The present survey was carried out by a six member team in the specific stretch of 110 kilometres over 11
days in December 2009. The documentation involved Gharial and Mugger numbers, quantification of
threats, assessing land use patterns along the banks, recording the flora of the area and collection of data
with respect to the socio-economic aspects of villages along the Rajasthan bank. The expedition ended
with a total count of 122 Gharials, 103 Muggers and 1 dead Mugger.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Introduction
The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) Gmelin 1789, or the Long-snouted Crocodile, is a fresh-water
Crocodile that is one of only two surviving species of the Gavialidae family. Its Latin name, Gavialis
gangeticus means, Gavial of the Ganga. The Gharial gets its name from the Hindi word ‘ghara’ meaning
pot or vessel. The adult male Gharials possess this protuberance at the tip of their long snouts and it
resembles an inverted pot. Only the adult males have the 'ghara'. Thus, Gharials are the only crocodiles
that show sexual dimorphism.
The Gharial is a primarily fish-eating Crocodile with a slender snout specialized for preying and feeding
exclusively on fish. It has numerous sharp teeth that intersect at the end of the snout so as to trap the fish
and not let it slip away. The mating season is during the months of November, December and January.
Through the summer months of March, April and May, the females come onto the sand banks and islands
for nesting. This is because it is during the dry season that the rivers shrink and the sandy river banks are
available for nesting. After around three months, juveniles emerge. Parental care by the female has been
observed for the first few days after birth.
Gharials are known to prefer calm and quiet areas of fast flowing rivers. It is the longest living
Crocodilian species with the second longest life span after the Estuarine crocodile. The Gharial shares
much importance in Indian mythology and has been depicted as the holy 'vehicle' of goddess Ganga.
The is endemic to the Indian subcontinent occurring in the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and the
Mahanadi river systems (Smith, 1939; Singh, 1978; Groombridge, 1987; Whitaker, 1987; Hussain,1991,
1999). It is believed that the gharial is now extinct in Myanmar, Bhutan and Pakistan. In Bangladesh,
fewer than 20 individuals may be present (Groombridge, 1987). The IUCN [International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources], publishes a Red Data Book that enlists the world’s most
Endangered wild animals. The Gharial has been given the status of Critically Endangered, meaning that
their numbers in the wild are below 1200 individuals. The number of wild breeding Gharials left in the
world today, is said to be less than 250.
Although there was steady increase in gharial populations till 1997 (Sharma, 1999), 1999 onwards the
population has shown a dramatic decline throughout its entire range. There were 436 breeding adults in
1997 but by 2006 this number had declined to just 182, a reduction of 58% over the last 10 years (IUCN,
2007). The total breeding population of gharial is now estimated to be less than 200 individuals making
gharial a critically endangered species (IUCN, 2007). Such a drastic decline within the last decade is
largely the result of anthropogenic pressures such as reduction in the availability of nesting beaches,
encroachment on river banks for agriculture, construction of dams and barrages, reduction in water flow,
siltation, channelization, and modification of river morphology by development activities and increased
mortality in fishing nets (Hussain, 1999; IUCN, 2007).
A crisis situation was declared in January 2008 after a mass death of around 111 gharials in the National
Chambal Sanctuary. This sudden drop in gharial numbers upgraded their status from ‘Endangered’ to
‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List. Although the actual cause of these mortalities remains
under varied speculation, most fingers point at pollution in the river water flowing from the Yamuna.
Gharials feeding on fish contaminated by toxins and heavy metal deposits from the Yamuna, leading to
biomagnification and further resulting in the death of these animals is said to be a high possibility.
The last stronghold for Gharials is the Chambal River, which is home to 68% of the world’s wild gharial
population.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Description of Study Area
The Chambal River is perennial, having its origin in the Vindhya Range near Mhow district of Madhya
Pradesh, as a large catchment in the Malwa plateau. It flows in a North-eastern direction, passing through
Rajasthan up to the point where its major tributary Parbati joins it near Pali. Thereafter it flows in an
eastern direction, forming the boundary of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Further, it forms the border
between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh up to the confluence of Chambal and Yamuna near Etawah
in Uttar Pradesh. Three major tributaries join the Chambal, viz. Parbati, Kali Sindh and Banas. A series
of multipurpose dams [Gandhi Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar in
Rajasthan] and a barrage [at Kota, Rajasthan] have been erected in the upper reaches of the river.
The Chambal is one of the cleanest rivers in India. There are few factories or industries around the
Chambal that release their waste and effluents in the Chambal, thus saving it from extensive pollution. It
therefore harbours a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The National Chambal (Gharial) Sanctuary was
founded in the year 1979 with the Gharial as the flagship species. It is part of a large area of 5,400 km²
co-administered by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh governments. Approximately 400 km
of the river lies within the reserve. A part of the river also comes under the jurisdiction of Ranthambhore
National Park and Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary on the Rajasthan side.
Fig.1 Map of River Chambal, highlighting the National Chambal Sanctuary
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Lined on either side by undulating ravines, the banks of the river show a multitude of habitats. It is in this
wild haven that many rare animals, some endemic to India, thrive. Sand banks, Pebble banks, Rocks,
Boulders and Ravines spread across the banks along the entire stretch of the river, heavily interspersed by
large agricultural lands. The agricultural crops include Sarson [Mustard], Gehun [Wheat], Tur/Arahar
[Yellow lentils], Channa [Bengal Gram] and other vegetables.
The riverine ecosystem of Chambal is home to an array of species ranging from Water skaters and Diving
Beetles, to the two species of Crocodiles, which live in harmony with Turtles and Fish of many varied
sizes. The other crocodile in the Chambal apart from the Gharial, is the Mugger- commonly called the
Marsh Crocodile. The river is guarded by ravines on its banks on either side, which act as natural barriers
to the flood waters of the river in the monsoon. The ravines have twisting winding pathways, with loose
soil, rocky areas and thorny vegetation. These winding pathways help in preventing the flood water
during monsoon from reaching the villages nestled on the other side of the ravines, and thus help the
village inhabitants, as well as the terrestrial and aquatic fauna.
The ravines are as important as the river itself in terms of habitat viability for wildlife. A variety of
Canids like the Indian Wolf Canis indicus, Jackal Canis aureus, Indian Fox Vulpes bengalensis, and
Desert Fox Vulpes vulpes pusilla find abode in these ravines. The Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena can be
seen very frequently after twilight with the Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus also occupying this diverse
ecosystem along with other carnivores.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Objectives
As a third of its kind expedition, the present survey also aimed at achieving certain objectives following
the previous surveys. Importance, however, was given to gathering information to be able to draw a
comparative account from three years of collected data and further deducing conclusive results. The
following were the objectives of the survey in discussion:
To survey a stretch of approximately 110 kms along the Chambal River, downstream from Pali
village to Khirkan village over 11 days; dividing the entire sample area into 10 segments based
on the adjacent villages on the Rajasthan banks of the river.
To record the number of Gharials and Muggers in each segment to draw comparisons with data
from previous expeditions and to monitor increase/decrease/shift of gharial numbers in pre-
recorded High Population Recorded Areas [HPRAs].
To quantify the direct threats such as fishing and sand/stone mining; and indirect threats such as
agriculture and flattening of ravines.
To assess the habitat and land use patterns along the banks of the river to estimate the extent of
natural habitat destruction.
To document aspects related to Socio-economic status of select villages and examining the
attitude of villagers towards the Gharial, along the Rajasthan side of the river.
To study the floral diversity in the specific stretch.
To record sightings and locations of other threatened fauna found in the river, such as, the
Smooth Coated Otter, Gangetic River Dolphin, Indian Skimmer etc.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Methodology
The survey area is the first 110 kms of the National Chambal Sanctuary, between village Pali and village
Khirkan. The entire sample area was divided into 10 segments based on the adjacent villages on the
Rajasthan bank. The segments were surveyed one day each, over 11 days. Time of sampling was between
1000hrs and 1700hrs. The first segment of the stretch, i.e. from Pali to Rameshwaram [approx. 20 km]
was surveyed on a motorboat. This stretch lies within the tourism zone of the sanctuary. The remaining
part of the stretch, from Rameshwaram to Khirkan was surveyed on foot, along the river bank.
The documentation involved Gharial and Mugger numbers, quantification of threats, assessing land use
patterns along the banks and recording the flora and other threatened fauna of the area. Spotting of
Gharials, Muggers, other fauna and any activity in the river or on the bank was done using Olympus 10 x
50 Field Binoculars. Two Garmin eTrex GPS units were used to record the co-ordinates of the spot
perpendicular to the Gharial and Mugger locations at every sighting. The specific location of the
Gharial/Mugger was noted; classifying them based on positions ‘In water’, ‘on Sand Bank/Bar/Island’,
‘on rocks’ or ‘on Mud banks’.
Village stretch Males Sub-adults/
Females
Juv. No.
in
water
No. on
Sand
bank/bar/
island
No.
on
rocks
No. on
mud
banks
Total
Pali -Rameshwaram - 2 - - - - 2 2
Rameshwaram-Shankarpura - - - - - - - -
Shankarpura-Baghoda - - - - - - - -
Baghoda-Bilvasa 1 6 2 6 - 3 - 9
Bilvasa-Gohata - 5 2 2 - 5 - 7
Gohata-Davar 3 50 - 42 7 - 4 53
Davar- Ghoonsai - 3 - 2 1 - - 3
Ghoonsai-Kased 2 10 5 15 2 - - 17
Kased-Kemkutch 5 9 7 9 12 - - 21
Kemkutch-Khirkan 1 3 6 3 7 - - 10
Table.1 Gharial numbers - Males/SA/Females/juvs. in each segment showing corresponding positions
GPS co-ordinates were also taken at every change in the habitat/land use along the bank. At every point
recorded, presence/absence of disturbance was noted. A location was considered ‘disturbed’ when one or
more of the following was observed: Human activity, cattle activity, fishing activity, water pumps,
sand/stone mining, flattened ravines and agriculture. Fishing, presence of water pumps and sand/stone
mining were recorded and quantified as direct threats. All the data collected were entered into data sheets
on field.
While we walked along the bank during the day with two porters, our luggage and grocery would be
loaded onto the Camel cart and would reach the next village via the road route. The cook and the owner
of the camel cart would travel with the cart and look after the luggage until we reached the spot. Tents
and carry mats, rucksacks, groceries, utilities and other food items went on the camel cart.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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During the nights, we camped at the same villages that we had camped at during the previous
expeditions. Upon reaching the destined village, we would set up our tents either in the open, a villager’s
courtyard or the village school. While the cook made dinner, we would talk to the villagers and the
village children to collect socio-economic data and examine their attitude towards the river and gharials.
The data gathered with respect to socio-economic aspects of each village included number and types of
communities and ethnic groups, economic standards based on sizes of lands owned, presence/absence and
distance to public amenities such as schools, banks, community centres, police station and primary health
care, number of motor vehicles in the village, number and type of cattle/livestock, extent of dependence
on river water and other livelihood resources such as fuel-food.
The results with respect to gharials and muggers were analysed for extent of human influenced
disturbance on habitat, variations in gharial numbers in each segment over the three years, correlating
gharial numbers and identified threats such as fishing, water pumps etc and also the relation between
gharial numbers and presence of sand banks/bars/islands. The analysed results have been illustrated in
simple percentage bar graphs.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Results
1. Gharial populations & Gharial HPRAs
Stretch Number of Gharials
Pali - Rameshwaram 2
Rameshwaram - Shankarpura 0
Shankarpura - Bhagoda 0
Bhagoda-Bilvasa 9
Bilvasa - Gohta 7
Gohta - Dawar 53
Davar - Ghoonsai 3
Ghoonsai - Kased 17
Kased - Kemkutch 21
Kemkutch - Khirkan 10
Total 122
Table.2 Gharial populations in each segment of sample area
Fig.2 Schematic representation of sample area, gharial populations & HPRAs
A total of 122 gharials were counted in the 110km stretch between Pali and Khirkan; including 11 males,
22 juveniles and 89 sub-adults/females. The stretch between Kemkutch and Khirkan is exclusive to the
present survey and we had no data for this stretch from our previous surveys. The relative low
populations of gharials were documented between the villages Pali and Gohta; with 15% of the total
gharial population. The High Population Recorded Areas [HPRAs] this time were identified between the
villages Gohta and Khirkan supporting 85% of the total number of gharials documented. The determined
HPRAs are of high importance since they signify possibilities of better habitat qualities and also suggest
areas that require long term protection.
The HPRA supported 91.6% of the total male population in the sample area, suggesting strong viability
for substantial long term breeding population. The same stretch also constituted 81.8% of the total
juvenile population, indicating ideal growing conditions and better habitat suitability.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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2. Fishing activity and Gharial numbers
Fig.3 Graph showing percentage of fishermen against percentage of gharials in each stretch; Dec 2009
Fig.4 Graph showing difference in number of fishermen in each stretch in Dec 2008 and Dec 2009*
Fishing is one of the direct threats for the survival of gharials. Fig.3 shows the percentage of fishermen in
each stretch against the percentage of gharials. It is seen that the segments before Gohta have relatively
higher percentage of fishermen as compared to segments post-Gohta. The segment with maximum
gharial numbers shows a rather low percentage of fishermen and the segment with maximum fishing
activity supports no gharial population. Fig.4 shows a comparative graph of number of fishermen
documented in December 2008 against number of fishermen documented in December 2009. It is seen
that with an evident overall increase in the number of fishermen to nearly twice the number from 47 in
December 2008 to 86 in December 2009 between the Pali-Kemkutch stretch, there is also a significant
and progressive increase in the number of fishermen in the Gharial HPRAs, indicating aggravating
competition for the resource in discussion.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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3. Number of water pumps & Gharial numbers
Fig.5 Graph showing percentage of water pumps against percentage of gharials in each stretch; Dec 2009
Fig.6 Graph showing difference in number of water pumps in each stretch in Dec 2008 and Dec 2009*
The number of water pumps in a segment of the sample area indirectly indicates the extent of agricultural
activity. A total of 130 water pumps were counted from both the banks. Fig.5 shows the percentage of
water pumps against percentage of gharials in every segment of the sample area as recorded in the present
survey. It is seen that there is maximum agricultural activity in the very first stretch and eventually
reduced to comparatively low yet consistent. The HPRAs show comparatively lower agricultural activity.
Fig.6 shows a graph comparing number of water pumps documented in the present survey and the
number documented in December 2008. Although the trend remains consistent in terms of maximum and
minimum numbers across the entire stretch, it is seen that there is also a consistent increase in the number
of water pumps in the HPRAs. The number of water pumps has increased from 121 in December 2008 to
128 in December 2009 in the Pali-Kemkutch stretch.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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4. Human disturbance, Sand banks/bars/islands & Gharial numbers
Fig.7 Graph showing percentage disturbance against number of gharials in each segment
Fig.8 Graph showing percentage Sand bank/bar/island against number of gharials in each segment
Disturbance was marked for presence/absence at each location where GPS point was recorded to assess
habitat and land use. 79.8% of the total sampled area faced anthropogenic disturbance in the form of
human activity, cattle activity, fishing activity, water pumps, sand/stone mining, flattened ravines and
agriculture. In Fig.7 it is seen that maximum disturbance was recorded in the tourism zone [first 20km
stretch] of the NCS. It is also seen that almost in all cases the percentage of disturbance varies inversely
with gharial numbers.
Sand banks, sand bars and sand islands play a significant role in the ecology of gharials. They are used
preferentially as basking and nesting sites. Sand banks/bars/island constituted 32.3% of the total sampled
area on the Rajasthan side. The gharial numbers vary directly with the percentage increase/decrease in
sand banks/bars/islands. The stretch Davar – Ghoonsai is of specific significance since it is the only
segment where the gharial number varies inversely with the sand bank percentage. This is perhaps due to
a vast stretch of the Ghoonsai sand bank that has now been converted into agricultural land.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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5. Variations in Gharial & Mugger populations over three surveys
Fig.9 Graph showing variations in Mugger numbers over three surveys January 2008-December 2009*
Fig.10 Graph showing variations in Gharial numbers over three surveys January 2008-December 2009*
The variations in Mugger populations are of significance since the gharials and muggers share
physiological similarities. It is seen in Fig.9 that Mugger populations in each segment have been highly
inconsistent. This variation might be due to the larger home ranges and lesser habitat specificity of
Muggers as compared to gharials. It is seen that the stretch Gohta - Davar shows unusually consistent
Mugger numbers. This is also the segment with maximum gharial populations from all three surveys.
This might indicate better habitat suitability in the particular segment.
Fig.10 shows variations in Gharial populations in each segment recorded over three surveys. It is seen
that the High Population Recorded Areas [HPRAs] in all three surveys has remained the same, i.e. the
stretch between Gohta and Kemkutch. The segment between Gohta and Davar has consistently shown the
highest gharial numbers in the total sample area.
*For accuracy in analyses, the stretch common to all three surveys, i.e. Pali-Kemkutch has been standardized.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Discussion
The Gharial Gavialis gangeticus is a prominent riverine species of the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and
Mahanadi river systems that is becoming increasingly rare due to reduction in water flow, available
nesting beaches, modification of river morphology and increased mortality in fishing nets. (Hussain,
2009). Although a substantial breeding population now thrives within the limits of the National Chambal
Sanctuary, uncontrolled anthropogenic pressures continue to pose a threat to the survival of the gharial.
79.8% of the total sampled area faced disturbance due to direct or indirect human activity. With sporadic
increase in fishing activity in the river and agricultural activities along the banks, the last stronghold of
the gharial remains in a state of peril.
Fishing
Illegal fishing in the sanctuary has been identified as the most significant and direct threat to the Gharials.
Cast nets are so spread across the river width such that a Gharial, mostly juveniles (Sharma and Basu,
2004), get entangled and drown to death. This affects the breeding population and thus the viability of the
population gets affected. Increased fishing activity also affects the main diet of the Gharials. Fish
constitute a predominant portion in the diet of a gharial. Fish is also consumed by other fauna like the
Smooth Coated Otter, Gangetic River Dolphin, Storks, Pelicans and Cormorants which inhabit the river.
Thus fishing can potentially disrupt the food chain and the ecology of the river.
Fishing activity was observed being carried out individually by fishermen. A single person uses a tractor
tyre tube for floatation and two wooden paddles are used as rows. Drift nets made of nylon are most
commonly used. The nets are generally cast in the water, sometimes 3-4 at a time early in the morning
and collected back with the catch by dusk. Rare cases of fishing using a 'Fishing line' were recorded near
Gohta.
The total number of fishermen recorded was 97 [86 in the Pali-Kemkutch stretch]. 82 fishermen from the
Madhya Pradesh side and 15 fishermen from the Rajasthan side were recorded. All the fishermen from
the Rajasthan side belonged to 'Godikutch' village. The villagers on the Rajasthan side are traditionally
vegetarians. It was noted that only the ‘Kahar’ community on the Rajasthan side consume fish. Upon
interacting with the locals, it was found that the fishing equipment is mostly purchased from Sheopur and
Sabalgarh in Madhya Pradesh. The local names of some fish found in the river are Rohu, Bawas, Baam,
Dhegra, Shingada and Mahseer. The fishermen commented that they catch between 10-20kg of fish per
day and sell the catch for Rs.100-200 per kilogram. There was one case, however, where a person
claimed that sometimes the total daily catch of fish is 2 quintals.
Agriculture
Agriculture is a major threat to the survival of the habitat of Gharials. Agriculture is being rampantly
practiced along riverbanks, on both the sides. Chambal being a perennial river has fertile banks that are
close to the villages. The villagers find it convenient to grow crops on these patches. It is a case of habitat
destruction as well as encroachment. Nearly 33% of the sampled area on the Rajasthan bank showed
agricultural activity. The most common agricultural crops in the sample area are Brassica juncea
(mustard), Triticum vulgare (Wheat), Cajunus cajan (Yellow lentils), Green peas and green gram.Various
factors come into the picture along with agriculture, all of which result is disruption of natural habitat.
Flattening of Ravines : Ravines along the river are being flattened at an alarming rate to make space for
agricultural fields. As mentioned earlier, they play a very important role in safeguarding the overall
habitat of the river and also support a rich and diverse ecosystem.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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During floods, the water level rises 10-15m and often spreads up to 500m from either bank. (Hussain,
2009). The ravines act as barriers to the floodwaters. The ravines also block the animals from the river
from drifting inland for a long distance with the floodwater. However, in the absence of the ravines, the
animals get stuck in the soft clayey sand of the ravines, and they cannot return to the river.
Flattening of ravines was observed throughout the area of study. While ravines constituted 18% of the
sampled area, 22 % of these ravines were flattened for agricultural purposes. It was observed in areas that
form important corridors between protected areas, for example, between Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary and
the National Chambal Sanctuary. The flattening of ravines will not only alter the morphology of the river,
but also further isolate the habitats of keystone species like the Tiger.
Water Pumps : There is an increasing demand for freshwater, particularly from the rivers. Water pumps
are installed along the river banks for water abstraction for irrigational purposes. This water is supplied to
the agricultural fields on the banks as well as the fields near the villages. Sometimes pipes as long as
4000 ft. are used to supply water to the fields in the villages. Although on a small level, the water pumps
cause change in the river flow which can affect the river morphology. The water pumps are a constant
nuisance. They cause noise and water pollution. The diesel from the water pumps also seeps into the
river.
A total of 130 water pumps were recorded from both the banks. The HPRAs of gharials showed only
23% of the total number of water pumps. The loud noise generated by the pumps along with constant
human intervention is presumably another reason for lower gharial numbers in areas with higher number
of water pumps.
Fertilizers : Urea is the most commonly used fertilizer for agriculture. This might have long-term effects
on the river ecosystem. As the urea slowly seeps into the river causing eutrophication, the amount of
floating vegetation in the river will increase. This floating vegetation will choke up the river water and
alter the pace of the river. This might eventually affect all the riverine fauna and disrupt the food chain.
Destruction of Sand banks : The need for more and more cultivable lands has now driven the villagers
from locations close to the banks to exploit large stretches of sand banks. Sand banks, used as basking
and nesting sites by gharials, is of high significance in their ecology. Sand banks/bars/islands occupy
32.3% of the total sampled area and nearly 10% of these banks have now been converted into agricultural
lands.
Mining
Mining is one of the factors that contribute to the destruction of the Gharial habitat. Not only does it alter
the natural habitat, but also negatively influences the highly important nesting sites. The gharial is a
communal nester, i.e. a large number of females use the same sand bank to lay eggs. (Rao & Singh,
1993). The banks of the river are mined for either Sand or Stone.
Sand Mining : Gharials are known to prefer sand banks to rocks or clay banks. Another advantage of
basking on sandy surfaces is that it contains more moisture than other surfaces and hence they provide a
hot (sun) and cool (moisture in sand) environment, thus reducing the chance of desiccation while basking
in the sun. (Hussain, 2009). Sand mining is of importance as a threat because the sand on islands in the
river as well as the few remaining sand banks is taken away in tractors. The demand for sand for
construction purposes is constantly increasing. Small scale mining of sand was observed on the banks of
Ghoonsai. [Sand was being collected in small bags and loaded onto a mule]
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Stone mining : Stone mining takes place by either manually breaking the stone layers or by using
dynamites. The dynamite sound can be heard for a considerably long distance from the site of mining.
The noise that the crushing implements, dynamites and the tractors that collect the load make causes
disturbance to animals. Species like the Smooth Coated Otter need the rocks and stones for nesting.
Socio-economic aspects:
During the course of the expedition, we camped at 11 villages on the Rajashtan side. All the villages rely
heavily on the Chambal for water. Water is drawn from the river in all villages. In the villages till Gohta,
the predominant community is of the Gujjars. Other communities include Jats, Rajputs, Malis and
Meenas. Beyond Gohta, the Meena community is predominant. All the castes with the exception of
Rajputs are non-meat eaters. One village in particular, Godikutch, located between Baghoda and Bilvasa
is of a special importance. The village has 19 households, all of which belong to the fishing community
called ‘Kahar’.
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the villagers. People of all communities practise
agriculture on various scales. They either have their own land for agriculture or use a land on sharing
basis with other families. A few also rent their land out for agriculture. Cattle and livestock rearing is the
second major source of income. Almost all the families own buffaloes and goats. The Gujjar community
is traditionally of goat herders. Dependence on the river water was maximum for communities that
owned cattle/livestock. Up to 10% of the sampled area of Rajasthan side showed activity of
cattle/livestock. Remote cases of conflict due to muggers taking away cattle were also recorded as per
comments by villagers.
Attitude of Villagers, Conflict and Tolerance:
From Pali to Davar, it was observed that the villagers were quite indifferent towards the Gharial and its
aspects. However, the attitude of the villagers changed drastically after Davar village. The villagers in
this area are very much aware of the forest department and their role in protection of Chambal and its
surrounding habitat. They have been put under constant pressure by the forest department through
attempts at forced relocation. Due to this, the villagers have seemingly turned against conservation
strategies towards the gharial. We were informed of their hostility towards people involved in the forest
department or gharial conservation by trusted sources. It took a lot of convincing by our porters and field
assistants for the villagers in new locations of Kemkutch and Khirkan to allow us to camp in their village.
This attitude of the locals is one of the major factors that will act against any conservation strategy in the
area from being successful. These locals must be involved constructively, instead of forcing anything
upon them, which is only going to turn them against the Gharials and Chambal. According to these
villagers, it is the Gharial that is threatening their source of livelihood and jeopardising their authority on
the land that they own.
Significant findings from three surveys:
· A dead specimen of a Gharial was reported by the expedition team in December 2008.
The location was in the tourist area between Pali and Rameshwaram. The specimen was found
entangled in a fish net. The post-mortem report revealed that the animal had multiple fractures in
its lower mandible. This indicates that the death could possibly be because of struggle and
subsequent drowning.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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· During the summer of 2009, the Tiger Watch team conducted a rapid survey on a boat in
the tourist area [Pali to Rameshwaram]. The team recorded one dead Gharial and one dead
Mugger, both entangled in fish-nets. These deaths were also reported to the concerned
authorities.
· During the present survey, one dead Mugger was recorded in the Gharial HPRA on the
7th day. Although there was significant fishing activity seen around the dead Mugger, the actual
cause of death is unknown.
Other Fauna
Jackal Canis aureus was the most common mammal seen along the banks; both in the ravines as well as
outskirts of villages. Numerous pugmarks of Striped Hyena Hyaena Hyaena were seen along the clay
banks and the sandy ravine paths. There was also one location where Ratel Mellivora capensis
(unconfirmed) pugmarks were seen close to the river. There has been no recorded sighting of Smooth
coated Otters Lutrogale perspicillata by our teams in all three surveys. A local villager at village
Baghoda told us of one instance where he had spotted the Otter around 10 years ago. He further informed
us that the locals refer to it as a ‘Jalmanushya’ or ‘Merman’. He commented that the otter was spotted
only once and that within a few days of sighting, he found its skull after it had been hunted and killed by
a Moghiya [tribal hunting community]. Upon enquiry, the Moghiya explained to the villager that the
Jalmanushya is tracked by locating the place where it defecates. Since Otters are known to use a single
location on a rock repeatedly as a site for defecating, they are thus tracked and hunted. (Bawani Singh
Rajawat, pers. comm.). There has also been no recorded sighting of the Gangetic River Dolphin
Platanista gangetica in the past three surveys. They are, however, commonly seen at Rohu Ghat,
close to Mandrael Forest Check post. (Kishore Meena, pers.comm)
The Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus, a juvenile Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonicus
leschnaultii and Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus cristatus were added to the checklist of birds
from previous surveys. Two flocks of the Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis were recorded in the entire
survey. Both flocks [with 20 individuals in each] were spotted on or near sand banks in the same two
locations where they were seen in December 2008; viz. the Banas-Chambal confluence near
Rameshwaram and the sand banks of Ghoonsai.
The river is known to house 7 different species of Turtles. Lissemys punctata, Chitra indica (Chitra
turtle), Batagur kachuga (Red Crowned Roof Terrapin), Kachuga dhongoka, K. tentoria (Tent
Turtle), Trionyx gangeticus and Aspideretes gangeticus (Ganges Soft Shelled Turtle). Terrapins were
seen in large numbers, usually around river rapids. Individuals of Lacertids (Ophisops sp.) were also seen
commonly amidst rocks and boulders in most parts of the survey area.
Flora Report
The Chambal River forms the western part of the Gangetic plain. The area between Chambal River and
Banas River is called the Vindhyan scrubland. Along the bank the lands are utilized for agriculture.
Therefore, there is mass destruction of the endemic flora even though the river has a good diversity of the
aquatic angiosperms. The following are some of the dominant species of plants:
Free floating: These plants grow on the water surface and float freely on it. Their roots hang under water
from where nutrients are absorbed. Eg. Utricularia stellaris, Pitia sps, etc.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Floating attached: Plants are rooted in the river bed soil but grow through the water column. Eg.
Nymphea sps., Nympoides cristrata, Nympoides india, Potamageton sps, Aponogeton natans, Ipomea
aquatica etc.
Submerged: These plants grow under water and may or may not be rooted in soil. Eg. Hydrilla
vertivillata, Najas sps, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Hydrilla, Vallisneria spiralis etc.
Marshland species: These plants grow on marshy soil. Such types of lands are dominated by Sedges and
Grass. Eg. Cyperus, Eleocharis, Fimbristylis, Scirpus, Limnophyton, Ipomea carnea, Ammania baccifera,
Rotula aquatica, Polygonum glabrum etc.
Sand bank soil shows very fine texture and plants find it difficult to keep hold of roots on such surfaces.
But some plant species grow in these patches. Eg. Calotropis procera, Tamarix aphylla, Convolvulus
prostratus, Prosopis juliflora, Leptadenia pyrotechnica etc
The river bank is interspersed by the following common trees: Dichrostachys cinerca, Pongamea
pinnata, Acacia nilotica, Anogisus pendula, Salvadora deoides etc.
Indigenous floral species
The following are some of the common indigenous plants documented in our sample area:
Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew.; Common name: Karil Family: Capparidaceae
Plant is a leafless shrub found commonly in the ravines. The plant has spines all over the stem. Flowers
are white; fruit (berries) are green in colour. Flowers and fruits are used as vegetables. Bark used in
cough, asthma and inflammation.
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn.; Common name: Arjun. Family: Combretaceae.
An evergreen tree found near river banks. Flowers grow in terminal inflorescence; fruits are winged and
called Samara. Bark and ashes are used in dyeing and tanning. The gum from bark, leaves and fruit is
medicinally used in Ayurveda.
Anogeissus pendula (Edgew.); Common name: Dhonk Family: Combretaceae
Plant is deciduous. Anogeissus pendula is a very important tree species of this fragile ecosystem. It is a
drought hardy plant that yields timber, fodder and other products. It yields Gum and Tannin. A. pendula
has ecological significance for the Aravallis and other hilly areas of the country.
Butea monsperma (Lam.) Taub.; Common name: Dhak, Palas. Family: Fabaceae
A small deciduous tree found commonly in Chambal. It flowers after the winter season; flowers are
bright orange in colour. Flower used in yielding orange- yellow dye. Leaves are used in making plates.
Timber is use in making furniture, fuel wood, and other domestic purpose.
Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre; Common name: Karanj. Family: Fabaceae
An evergreen tree found near river banks. Leaves are compound. Flowers are white in colour; Fruits are
Crescent (Karanji) in shape. Oil is extracted from the seed which is used for making soap and also
illuminant. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases and rheumatism.
Salvadora oleoidies Decaisne; Common name: Khabar, Diar, Pilu. Family: Salvadoraceae
It grows in arid and semi arid regions of north-west India. The plant tolerates temperatures between 3 to
48°C. S. oleoides thrives on a variety of soil types and is ecologically adapted for salt affected,
alkaline/saline and hard rocky/sandy soils. This tree is a source of fuel, fodder and timber and has
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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medicinal values. The plant is valuable as the seeds yield non-edible oil, used in the manufacture of soaps
and in other commercial/industrial purposes. Invasive floral species
Alien species are those introduced by humans into areas outside of their native ranges. Once introduced
in this manner, they become devoid of their predators, parasites and diseases that keep them in balance
with their native environment. These invasive species are a threat to the riparian habitat of Chambal and
the surrounding habitat that harbour many unique species. The following are invasive alien species that
are found along Chambal River:
Datura inoxia, Family: Solanaceae.
It is a shruby plant which typically reaches a height of 0.6 to 1.5 meters. This plant is native to Central
and South America. All parts of Datura plants contain dangerous levels of poison and may be fatal if
ingested by humans or other animals, including livestock. Herbivores generally avoid feeding on this
plant.
Ipomoea carnea, Family: Convolvulaceae.
Plant grows to a height of 5m. The stem is thick and develops into a solid trunk over several years with
many branches from base. It acts as toxic to cattle. This plant often grows in the shallow waters and
because of lesser competition it spreads rapidly in the river and poses a threat to this ecosystem.
Parthenium hysterophorous, Family: Asteraceae.
Aggressive weed invading all human influenced lands including farms, pastures, and roadsides. Contact
with this plant causes dermatitis and respiratory malfunction in humans, dermatitis in cattle and domestic
animals due to the presence of toxin Parthenin.
Prosopis juliflora, Family: Mimosaceae.
The plant is shrub or a small tree. It is native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. It was
introduced in India as a fuel wood plant, but because of adaptability to grow in dry and arid climatic
conditions and owing to lack of competition, it has become dominant plant.
Argemone mexicana, Family: Papavaraceae.
The plant is a thorny annual shrub. It is native to Mexico. The entire plant is poisonous in nature. Because
of this it has been spreading without control and slowly becoming a threat to the natural ecosystem.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Conclusion
The survey sample area covers nearly one-fourth the entire distance of the National Chambal Sanctuary.
From results of three surveys, it has been deduced that this particular stretch supports an average of ~109
gharials. The sanctuary continues to drift towards fragmentation and isolation. With human settlements
expanding along the banks, its continuity with neighboring protected areas is being broken. Increasing
anthropogenic pressures through fishing, agriculture, mining and livestock interference have been
adversely affecting the diet, habitat and ecology of the Gharial. The negative implications of human
activities have also victimized the ravines along the river bank and the wildlife that they support.
A fragile population of gharials continues to thrive in an even more fragile and progressively
deteriorating ecosystem. The Chambal, which is home to 68% of the world’s wild population, is the last
stronghold for Gharials. Even after repeated incidents of Gharial and Mugger deaths due to unnatural
causes being reported to the Forest Department, no concrete measures have been taken to combat the
situation. The sanctuary, being divided under three different jurisdictions, also suffers from blame games
to justify failure in protection. The death of two gharials, the critically endangered flagship species of the
sanctuary, did not attract any kind of action from the authorities. The sanctuary continues to suffer from
lack of monitoring to keep a check on illegal fishing and mining activities.
The inability in planning long term conservation initiatives has led the forest department into forcing
relocation of villages in some areas of the river bank. The negative attitude of these villagers will
intuitively come in the way of future conservation plans. Involvement of local communities in the
conservation of gharial has become highly imperative. There is also immense scope for an extensive
study across the entire stretch of the sanctuary and determining the total gharial population. There is a
clear possibility of more HPRAs occurring along the remaining stretch of the river. Along with regular
monitoring, these high population areas need to be identified and given strict protection in order to
establish a stable breeding population for gharials in the wild.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Appendix-1
Gharial/Mugger Datasheet
Point Location Time Lat./Long. Males Sub
Adults/
Females
Juv. Habitat Remarks
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Appendix-2
Habitat Datasheet
Point Latitude/Longitude Habitat [L,R] Disturbance(Y/N) Remarks
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Appendix-3
Checklist of birds from three surveys
Bird Species
Sl. no. Common name Latin name
1 Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
2 Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis
3 Ashy-Crowned Sparrow Lark Eremopterix grisea
4 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea
5 Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
6 Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
7 Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra
8 Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus
9 Bar Headed Goose Anser indicus
10 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
11 Bay- Backed Shrike Lanius vittatus
12 Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
13 Black- Bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda
14 Black- Crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
15 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
16 Black- Headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus
17 Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa
18 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
19 Black Rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
20 Black- Shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
21 Black stork Ciconia nigra
22 Black- Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
23 Black –Winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
24 Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
25 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
26 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
27 Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum
28 Brown Crake Amaurornis akool
29 Brown fish Owl Ketupa zeylonicus leschnaultii
30 Brown Rock Chat Cercomela fusca
31 Brown shrike Lanius cristatus
32 Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
33 Bush Quail species
34 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
35 Citrine wagtail Motacilla citreola
36 Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
37 Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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38 Common Coot Fulica atra
39 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
40 Common Hoopoe Upupa epops
41 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
42 Common Kestrel Falcu tinnunculus
43 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
44 Common Pochard Aythya nyroca
45 Common Redshank Tringa tetanus
46 Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
47 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
48 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
49 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata
50 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
51 Common Teal Anas crecca
52 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
53 Crested Lark Galerida cristata
54 Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela
55 Darter Anhinga melanogaster
56 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
57 Dusky Crag Martin Hirundo concolor
58 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
59 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
60 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
61 Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo
62 Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
63 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
64 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
65 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
66 Gadwall Anas strepera
67 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
68 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
69 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus cristatus
70 Great Egret Casmerodius albus
71 Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris
72 Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
73 Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
74 Green Bee- Eater Merops orientalis
75 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
76 Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus
77 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
78 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
79 Grey-necked Bunting Emberiza buchanani
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80 House Crow Corvus splendens
81 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
82 Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus
83 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
84 Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata
85 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
86 Indian Silverbill Lonchura malaharica
87 Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis
88 Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia
89 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus
90 Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum
91 Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica
92 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
93 Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi
94 Large-Billed Crow Corvus macrohynchos
95 Laughing Dove Sturnus senegalensis
96 Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
97 Lesser White-throat Sylvia curucca
98 Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
99 Little Egret Egretta garzetta
100 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
101 Little Heron Butorides striatus
102 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
103 Little Stint Calidris minuta
104 Long- Billed Vulture Gyps indicus
105 Long-Tailed Shrike Lanius schach
106 Northern Pintail Anas acuta
107 Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
108 Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis
109 Osprey Pandion haliaetus
110 Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
111 Painted Sandgrouse Pterocles indicus
112 Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala
113 Pallas’s Gull Larus ichthyaetus
114 Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
115 Pheasant- Tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
116 Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata
117 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
118 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata
119 Plum- Headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala
120 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
121 Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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122 Red- Headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus
123 Red-crested Pochard Rhodonessa rufina
124 Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica
125 Red-Vented Bulbul Pynonotus cafer
126 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
127 River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii
128 River Tern Sterna aurantia
129 Rock Pigeon Columba livia
130 Rose- Ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
131 Rosy starling Sturnus roseus
132 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
133 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
134 Rufous-tailed shrike Lanius isabellinus
135 Shikra Accipiter badius
136 Short-toed snake eagle Circaetus gallicus
137 Small blue Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
138 Small Pratincole Glareola lacteal
130 Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis
140 Spot-Billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
141 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
142 Spotted Owlet Athene brama
143 Streak-Throated Swallow Hirundo fluvicola
144 Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata
145 Whiskered Tern Chidonias hybridus
146 White- Throated Kingfisher Halycon smyrnensis
147 White-Browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis
148 White-capped Bunting Emberiza stewarti
149 White-Eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis
150 Wire-Tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
151 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
152 Wooly- Necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
153 Yellow Legged Gull Larus cachinnans
154 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
155 Yellow-crowned woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis
156 Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Appendix-4
Checklist of plants recorded in December 2009
Family Species
Acanthaceae Andrographis paniculata
Acanthaceae Peristrophe paniculata
Alistimaceae Limnophyton obtusifolium
Amaranthaceae Achyrathus aspera
Amaranthaceae Gomphrena celiosoides
Amarlydaceae Crinum sps
Aponogetonaceae Aponogeton natans
Asclepidaceae Calotropis gigantia
Asclepidaceae Calotropis procera
Asclepidaceae Leptadenia pyrotechnica
Asclepidaceae Pergularia daemia
Asteraceae Parthanium hysterophorus
Boraginaceae Rotula aquatica
Convolvulaceae Convolvulus prostatus
Convolvulaceae Ipomea aquatica
Convolvulaceae Ipomea carnea
Convolvulaceae Merimia gangetica
Cyperaceae Cyperus sps
Cyperaceae Eleocharis sps
Cyperaceae Fimbristylis sps
Cyperaceae Scirpus sps
Euphorbiaceae Chrozophora prostrata
Hydrocharitaceae Hydrilla verticillata
Hydrocharitaceae Nechamandra alternifolia
Hydrocharitaceae Vallisneria spiralis
Lytraceae Ammania baccifera
Menyanthaceae Nymphoides indicum
Mimosaceae Acacia nelotica
Mimosaceae Prosopis juliflora
Papavaraceae Argemone mexicana
Polygonaceae Persicarea glabara
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton perfoliatus
Solanaceae Datura inoxe
Solanaceae Solanum virginianum
Tamaricaceae Tamarix aphylla
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Funding, Budget & Support
The preparations prior to the expedition comprised of volunteer recruitment and raising funds for
project expenses such as travel allowances, field equipments etc. In view of the same, the Gharial
Expedition was preceded by ‘Fera October 2009,’ a fund raiser event initiated by Tiger Watch, bearing
the virtue of an art, photography & tribal handicrafts exhibition cum sale. The event was held for a period
of 7 days from the 1st-7th of October 2009 at Alliance Francaise, Bangalore.
The main objective of Fera was to raise funds to meet the expenses of the expedition through
sale of artwork, photographs and tribal handicrafts. It was also unique in providing a forum for the
general public to get involved in conservation related activities as a buyer, donor, sponsor or volunteer.
Planning for Fera involved selection of a venue, appeal for sponsorship endorsements, media publicity
campaigns, prints & press release of event details and procurement of artwork, photographs and tribal
handicrafts to be displayed.
Fera was inaugurated on the 1st October 2009 by Dr.Ravi Chellam, Director, WCS India. A total
of 69 exhibits of artwork were put up on display. The exhibition included artworks by Ms.Abhijna
Anand, Mr.Arjun Srivathsa, Ms.Prashanthi Nerallapalli and photographs by Mr.Phillip Ross, Mr.Vivek
Vellanki, Mr.Ramnath Chandrashekar and guest photographer Mr.Sudhir Shivaram; along the themes of
Animals in Indian mythology, Nature, Wildlife of India and Human influences on nature. The tribal
handicrafts were made by women of the Moghiya community, currently part of Tiger Watch’s tribal
women empowerment program.
The event received laudable response from the general public, ranging from casual visitors and
enthusiasts to buyers of art/photographs/handicrafts. The event bore further attraction by means of a daily
raffle for which raffle tickets each were sold every day and the sale amount was added to the fund.
Winners of daily raffle were entitled to a holiday package sponsored by Mahindra Zest. The event also
received direct donations from willing donors, the returns of which were added to the net profits from
sales of exhibits. The event was coordinated and managed by Mr.Sujay Kotian.
We wish to thank our main sponsors; Ramnathshekar.com [Mr.Ramnath Chandrashekar], Elephas
Creations [Mr. Sudhir Shivaram], Seema Electricals pvt. ltd. [Mr.Sudheendra D S]; Individual sponsors,
Mr. Ravi Kant Singh [Sapient Corporation] & Mr.T N Madhu [C&M Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.]; Publicity
partner Mahindra Zest Holidays & Media partners Radio Indigo 91.9 FM; Publicity designs: Ms. Deepa
Chandrashekar. We also thank our coordinators and volunteers, Ms.Vishnupriya Sankararaman,
Mr.Vishnupriya Hathwar, Mr.Prakash Matada, Ms.Natasha Ballal & Mr.Vijay Rao for their efforts in
making the event a success.
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Budget
The following table summarizes the expenses involved in the expedition:
Food and Groceries Rs.15,398/-
Equipment Rs.11,000/-
Porter Fees Rs.8,650/-
Travel Rs.7,804/-
Miscellaneous Rs.3,336/-
Medicine & First aid Rs.832/-
Total Rs.47,020/-
Support:
Tiger Watch, Ranthambhore Dev Aranya, Kota
Petzl Headlamps Reptile Rescue & Study Centre, Mumbai
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Plates
Gallery 1 : Habitat
Scrub lands Rocks & Boulders
Ravines Grass patches
Pebble Bank Sand Bank
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Gallery 2 : Threats
Fishing activity Fishermen at Godikutch village
Ravines flattened for Agriculture Mining activity
Water pump for irrigation Domestic cattle and Gharial sharing banks
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Gallery 3 : On-field sights & activities
Scanning the banks Breakfast at campsite
Survey on foot Data entry on field
Skimmers on a Pebble bank Large Flock of Bar-Headed Geese on Sand Bank
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Gallery 4 : Camp locations
Campsite in a village school – Baghoda village
Campsite in a villager’s courtyard – Davar village
Campsite in the open fields – Bilvasa village
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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Gallery 5 : Muggers & Gharials spotted during the survey
Mugger on the bank Gharial in the river
Mugger and Gharials on a Sand bar Mugger and fishing activity in the background
Gharials in the HPRA site
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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The Team
Arjun Srivathsa pawsia@gmail.com
B.Sc (Chemistry,Botany,Zoology), Christ University, Bangalore
Suyash Katdare suyashk18@gmail.com
B.Sc (Zoology), Ruia College, Mumbai
Alok Chorghe alok_chorghe@yahoo.co.in
Currently pursuing postgraduate course in Angiosperm Taxonomy, St.Xavier’s College, Mumbai
Soujanya Shrivastava soujanya34@gmail.com
B.Tech (Biotechnology), JIIT, Noida
Sujay Kotain sujay.kotian@gmail.com
B.Sc (Chemistry,Botany,Zoology), Christ University, Bangalore
Vishal Rasal vishal_rasal123@yahoo.co.in
Currently pursuing postgraduate course in Environmental Botany, Institution of Science, Mumbai
Survey team (L-R): Suyash Katdare, Alok Chorghe, Vishal Rasal, Arjun Srivathsa, Soujanya Shrivastava, Sujay Kotian
The Gharial Expedition December 2009, National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan
37
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