Touted for decades as the most successful conservation story in India, the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation program is in the doldrums today, with only about 200 reproducing Gharials remaining in the wild. Formerly found in almost every river system in the northern Indian Subcontinent, today these large crocodilians are found only in a few scattered protected areas separated by hundreds of kilometres. Although the initial recovery program included both captive breeding and release programs in conjunction with the establishment of several reserves, the plan failed to educate local farmers and fisherman of the value of the Gharial. Fishermen in particular perceive the fish-eating Gharial as competition to their livelihood. Poaching has been and continues to be a major threat, especially in the National Chambal River Sanctuary, which had been a stronghold of the species for decades.

Since previous conservation initiatives have fallen short of success, the IRCF is now working with the Gharial Multi Task Force (GMTF) on the resumption of the Gharial rehabilitation program and for the protection of the deep-river habitats of this impressive crocodilian species. The IRCF needs your help to support a critically needed education program that encourages local villagers to set aside their destructive behaviors and give the Gharial a fighting chance for survival.