Morena (Madhya Pradesh): Wildlife lovers have good news from Morena. Out of 200 alligator eggs collected from two rivers at Deori Alligator (Gharial) Breeding Centre, 66 babies have hatched.
This hatching marks a significant step in efforts to boost the population of these aquatic reptiles in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
The eggs were collected from two river ghats and remaining 134 eggs are expected to hatch within the next 20 days. The hatchlings have been placed in a safe pool of clean water after getting necessary medical treatment.
Over the next three years, the hatchlings will be carefully monitored until they reach a length of 1.2 meters, at which point they will be released into their natural habitat to roam freely.
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Employees provide a favourable environment, temperature, food and water for the upbringing of the alligator babies.
This year, 78 eggs were collected from nests in the Sabalgarh Village Range. Forest officials said that the natural survival rate of gharials is just 2%, compared to over 50% in controlled environments.
With 2,462 gharials currently in the sanctuary, these efforts are crucial for the species' survival.
Safe hatching is done after the sound of the mother's call is heard from the eggs. After the babies come out, the temperature is maintained according to their health.
The Centre, a part of the National Chambal Sanctuary, breeds and rehabilitates gharials, along with other species like tortoises and crocodiles.
