Critically Endangered Reptiles

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

  • Distribution: Only viable population in the National Chambal Sanctuary, spread across three states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in India. Small non-breeding populations exist in Son, Gandak, Hoogly and Ghagra rivers.
  • Habitat: Clean Rivers with sand banks.
  • Threats: Dams, barrages, artificial embankments, change in river course, pollution, sand-mining, riparian agriculture and ingress of domestic and feral livestock.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

  • Distribution: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, coasts of Tamil Nadu and Orissa.
  • Habitat: Nesting occurs on insular, sandy beaches.
  • Threats: shell trade, egg collection, slaughter for meat, oil pollution and destruction of nesting and foraging habitats.

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Ecology & Environment