Abstract

The present study was carried out to find out the diversity of Gharial and potential habitat for its survival. A total of 161 km area in the Sanctuary was studied and data related with population of Gharial, habitat features, river profile, human activities and threats were collected. The Sone River apparently supports a few viable populations of Gharial. The population of Gharial shows 40% reduction since 1996 to 2010 in Sone Gharial Sanctuary. Much of the river was found sub-optimal for sustenance of viable population of Gharial for low flow conditions due to construction of Dam at upstream region. The other stretches have potentiality as good habitat for Gharial as some of them are presently used by the species for nesting. Some recommendations have been suggested on the basis of the observations to maintain those habitats for propagation, release and management of the species to raise the present population to a stabilized and viable one.

Key words: Gharial, population, habitat features, conservation, threats.