From gharials to wolves: Wildlife sanctuaries saving India’s rarest species

There is no denying that India is blessed with abundant wildlife. However, what many people do not know is that India’s lesser-known sanctuaries also preserve some of its most endangered species. While there are famous national parks such as Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India also has smaller sanctuaries that help protect some of its rare species. From rivers that nurture ancient reptiles to grasslands that provide shelter for predatory animals, all of these are protected areas that help preserve rare species.

Stretching across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, the National Chambal Sanctuary is widely regarded as India’s stronghold for the Gharial. The pristine waters of the Chambal River, along with its sandy banks, create ideal breeding conditions, supporting the largest population of gharials in the country. The sanctuary also shelters other notable species, including the Gangetic river dolphin and the Indian skimmer.

Tucked away in Jharkhand, Mahuadanr holds a unique distinction, it is the only sanctuary in India dedicated entirely to the Indian wolf. Dry forests and grasslands make up the sanctuary’s ecosystem, providing an ideal habitat for Indian wolves who love their surroundings free from human disturbance. At a time when grasslands in India are becoming increasingly endangered, Mahuadanr becomes vital for the survival of the predator species.

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh, holds special importance for the conservation of the gharial. The Girwa River flowing through the sanctuary provides ideal conditions for the species to breed naturally, unlike many other regions where artificial reintroduction programmes are required. As a result, it is regarded as one of the most crucial habitats for ensuring the long-term survival of the gharial. In addition to this, the sanctuary supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making it an important ecological hotspot.

This sanctuary is located on the Mahanadi River in the state of Odisha. Unlike Chambal and Katarniaghat sanctuaries, where natural reproduction occurs, the gharial population in the Satkosia Gorge sanctuary is mostly composed of captive bred animals that have been released in the wild. Although it is rare to see gharials at Satkosia Gorge sanctuary, it is crucial for spreading their geographical distribution and decreasing pressures on their habitat.

The Son River Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh continues to be one of the lesser-known sanctuaries for the gharial. Although it serves as a protected area for the purpose of conserving river ecosystems and sustaining the population of gharials, it is not as well known as Chambal or Katarniaghat. Information regarding breeding populations remains uncertain, but the sanctuary still belongs to a wider group of sites where the survival of the species is the goal.

Kuno National Park now plays an important role in India’s plans to restore the cheetah, which was extinct in the country many decades ago. The park has been chosen based on its ability to sustain the habitat of cheetahs. In addition to being famous as the habitat of cheetahs, Kuno has a rich flora and fauna.