Jaipur: In a significant step for conservation, eighty gharial hatchlings were transferred to the Palighat Gharial Rearing Centre this week. The facility has been upgraded to closely replicate natural riverine conditions, aiming to improve the survival and growth of this critically endangered species.
Upgraded Facilities for Hatchlings
The rearing centre now features new tanks equipped with thermal and daylight sources, wave makers, basking platforms, and security cameras. These installations are designed to simulate the natural habitat of gharials, supporting their physical development and helping them adapt to wild conditions. Manas Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, stated, “These arrangements will support the hatchlings’ physical development and help them adapt to conditions similar to those found in the wild.”
Water Quality and Feeding
Water quality, a critical factor in successful rearing, is maintained through an advanced reverse osmosis (RO) treatment system. This ensures a steady supply of clean water tailored to the hatchlings' needs. As part of the feeding programme, the young gharials will receive live fish. Wildlife experts emphasize that live feeding helps develop natural hunting instincts and retains innate behavioural traits essential for survival in the wild.
Conservation Impact
The Palighat centre plays a key role in gharial conservation by providing specialized care during early life stages when mortality rates are high. An official noted, “We hope the successful transfer and scientific rearing of the hatchlings will strengthen ongoing conservation efforts and contribute to the long-term recovery of gharial populations in the wild.”
