From article: “Lahore, 18 May 2023: Following recent reports of sightings of the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) reported on social media, WWF-Pakistan’s wildlife team promptly visited the area in Punjab, Pakistan, to investigate further. The subsequent survey confirmed the presence of Gharials in the region, including the exciting observation of juvenile individuals after a presumed absence of three decades.”

My words: This one nearly made me cry when I heard the news.

The subcontinent is weird geographically (thank you Brits). The randomly drawn border and the way both countries treat the areas have affected migration patterns amongst other issues.

The Gharials (among the longest of all living crocodilians) went extinct long ago, 3 decades I believe, due to dams and overfishing leading to too much competition for their food. Were also killed by a lot of people out of fear (and for the leather).

Ironically this particular gharial returned due to floods in India leading it this way. Its still there in the Ganges.

Would not have survived if it was a populated area, but due to border tensions the area was closed off.

They have since reproduced in Pakistan as well.

The conservation plan encompasses onsite monitoring in collaboration with security authorities. The main emphasis will be on executing efficient conservation measures and safeguarding the Gharials’ habitat. This involves ensuring appropriate water quantity and quality, as well as managing ongoing fishing activities to protect their habitat effectively. (Wikipedia)

Yet with India closing off Pakistans water supply, despite the Indus valley treaty before the war started the water levels are an issue rn.

Pakistan has formally requested the transfer of hundreds of Gharial crocodiles from Nepal as part of an initiative to reintroduce this species. (Wikipedia)

Globally they are critically endangered.