Juvenile Gharial Sighting Signals Ecological Recovery in Assam
Significant Discovery in West Karbi Anglong
A juvenile gharial spotted in the Kekaidong River in West Karbi Anglong. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, June 30: The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced on Tuesday that the recent sighting of a juvenile gharial in the Kekaidong River, located in West Karbi Anglong, serves as a vital sign of the state's improving ecological conditions. He emphasized that this finding is a testament to the ongoing revival of Assam's natural ecosystems.
This sighting is particularly noteworthy as it follows closely on the heels of another gharial sighting in the Burapahar range of Kaziranga National Park, where this critically endangered species was thought to have vanished from Assam.
In a social media update, Sarma remarked, "Healthy rivers tell their own story. The sighting of a juvenile gharial in the Kekaidong River reflects the steady revival of Assam's natural ecosystems." He further encouraged efforts to protect the rich biodiversity that characterizes the region.
The Indian gharial, a critically endangered freshwater crocodilian, is recognized for its unique long, slender snout and diet primarily consisting of fish.
This species is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is afforded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The recent sighting aligns with positive reports from Kaziranga National Park, where visitors were able to observe gharials in the Burapahar range for the first time during the 2025-26 season, sparking enthusiasm among wildlife lovers and conservationists.
Divisional Forest Officer Arun Vignesh previously noted that signs of gharials were first identified during a bird survey in 2023, but this year marked the first opportunity for tourists to see the species in its natural habitat.
"There have been at least two to three sightings this season, which is a very positive development," Vignesh stated, adding that wildlife sightings, including gharials, played a role in attracting approximately 4.7 lakh tourists to Kaziranga during the 2026 tourism season.
The gharial population has faced significant declines across the Indian subcontinent due to habitat loss, river pollution, and other ecological challenges. Wildlife experts view the sighting of a juvenile gharial as a hopeful sign, suggesting successful breeding and favorable ecological conditions that can sustain the species.