996 crocodiles, 219 alligators and 86 dolphins found in this year’s census
Bhopal:Saturday, April 26, :Considerable increase has been registered in the number of aquatic animals in the National Chambal Sanctuary. In this year’s census, 131 more crocodiles have been seen that the last year. Similarly, 25 more alligators have also been seen while the number of mammal Gangetic River Dolphins has remained static.A survey was conducted in the National Chambal Sanctuary this year from February 11 to 23 up to the distance of 435 kilometre from Pali to Pachnada. During the survey, 996 crocodiles were seen as against 865 found last year. It is explicit from the survey that the number of crocodiles is increasing constantly in the sanctuary. This fact is also verified by the number of crocodile nests spotted during the survey. Last year only 77 nests were located while 81 nests were found this year. The rise in crocodiles’ number goes to prove that there is no hindrance in their natural breeding.
Among other water animals of the National Chambal Sanctuary, alligators have also multiplied more than the last year. Only 194 alligators were spotted during the last year’s survey while 219 alligators have been found this year. Meanwhile, the number of Gangetic River Dolphins has remained almost static. Last year 91 dolphins were seen while this year 86 dolphins could be spotted.
Census of crocodiles and other water animals of the National Chambal Sanctuary is being conducted since the year 2003. Since the year 2006 the census is being conducted jointly by forest officials of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, scientists of Jivaji University, Gwalior and representatives of Madras Crocodile Bank and Word Nature Fund.
It may be mentioned that between December 2007 and February 2008, deaths of 35 crocodiles in Madhya Pradesh portion and 75 crocodiles in Uttar Pradesh portion had occurred due to suspected poisoning. But the latest census shows that the number of crocodiles in the sanctuary has not decreased due to this calamity. Instead, considerable increase has been registered in the number of water animals as compared to last year.