Biodiversity Conservation Projects: Project Gharial

In 1976, Project Crocodile was initiated with support from the UNDP and FAO.
It was an extensive breeding programme with an aim to restock depleted Gharial habitats.
The Gharial project involves conservation, monitoring, reintroduction and breeding in captivity.
National Chambal Sanctuary (National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary) along with the river Chambal in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh is the longest protected area for critically endangered Gharial Crocodiles.

Species in India

Mugger Crocodiles
- Distribution – Middle Ganges and Chambal region.
- Conservation Status
  - CITES – Appendix I
  - IUCN Red List – Vulnerable
  - Wildlife Protection Act 1972 – Schedule 1
Gharial
- It is the longest among all living crocodilians.
- Conservation Status
  - IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
  - Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  - CITES : Appendix I
Saltwater or Estuarine Crocodile
- Habitat: Blackish and freshwater regions of eastern India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia.
- Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I