Test: Saving the Gharial - Class 8 MCQ

Male gharials develop a distinctive feature called a "ghara," which is a bulbous growth on their snout that allows them to produce a unique sound known as a "buzz-snort." This sound is used to attract females and assert dominance over rivals. The gharial's long, slender snout is specifically adapted for catching fish, making them highly specialized predators in their riverine habitats.

The gharial's nesting behavior, where females lay about 50 eggs in deep sand nests, is crucial for their survival as it camouflages the eggs from predators such as hyenas. This nesting strategy helps to ensure that more hatchlings survive to maturity, contributing to the population's recovery amid declining numbers.

Project Crocodile was launched in 1974 with the objective of conserving gharials through breeding and release programs. This initiative was supported by the United Nations and aimed to counter the significant population decline due to habitat loss and other threats. The project highlights the importance of coordinated conservation efforts in protecting endangered species.

The gharial's habitat range has drastically shrunk due to damming, which alters river flow, as well as pollution and fishing nets that pose direct threats to their survival. This significant reduction in habitat not only affects gharial populations but also indicates broader ecological degradation of river ecosystems, which are vital for many species.

Gharials exhibit notable parental care, with mothers digging nests to free hatchlings and both parents guarding their young. This attentive behavior enhances the survival rate of the hatchlings, as they are protected from predators and environmental dangers. Such nurturing is rare among reptiles, making it an interesting aspect of gharial biology.

The decline of the gharial species is closely linked to the overall health of river ecosystems. As gharials are apex predators, their presence indicates a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Their decline signals serious issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and unsustainable human practices, urging the need for conservation and restoration efforts in river habitats.

Gharials are primarily fish-eaters, which is supported by their long, narrow snouts that are specifically adapted for catching fish in their river habitats. This dietary specialization makes them unique among crocodilians and highlights their role in controlling fish populations within their ecosystems.

During the breeding and release efforts of Project Crocodile, gharials faced significant challenges, particularly high mortality rates due to floods and entanglement in fishing nets. These issues illustrate the complexities of conservation work and the ongoing threats that endangered species face even after being bred in captivity.

The message of Janaki Lenin's work emphasizes the importance of habitat conservation by highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems. The survival of species like the gharial is depicted as directly linked to the health of their river habitats, demonstrating that protecting these environments is essential for both wildlife and human communities.

The gharial's "buzz-snort" sound plays a significant role in their mating rituals and territorial behaviors. Males use this vocalization to attract females and assert dominance over other males. Such behavioral adaptations are crucial for successful reproduction and maintaining their presence in competitive river environments.