Perceptions of Local Communities on Gharial Conservation in the National Chambal Sanctuary, India
Rao RJ*, Rajesh G and Yogesh S
ABSTRACT
The Indian Government has sanctioned a conservation initiative for the critically endangered gharial crocodile species, which includes the establishment of designated sanctuaries to safeguard key gharial habitats. The National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) has been established along the Chambal River, a significant tributary of the Ganges River system in northern India. Three State Government (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) Forest Departments jointly manage the NCS. Rehabilitation efforts targeting the critically endangered gharial have been ongoing since 1983. The Chambal River serves as a vital resource for local communities, supporting activities such as drinking water provision, washing, sand and stone mining, irrigation, transportation, Agriculture and livestock husbandry. This research aims to understand the human-gharial interactions within the NCS. Observations indicate that gharials exhibit harmonious behaviour and habitat utilisation alongside minimal human conflict in the Sanctuary. Current research on the long-term survival of gharials underscores the successful cohabitation of humans and gharials within the sanctuary.
