Gavial sightings on the rise in the Midwest!

For the last few years, sightings of the Gavial, one of the world's largest crocodiles, have been on the rise in the Midwest United States. While experts are unsure why this is happening, they are urging residents in the area to be alert and stay safe.

Gavials typically grow to be around 20 feet long and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They are typically found in warm climates near water sources, but due to changing temperatures and increasing amounts of rainfall in the Midwest, they have been spotted farther north than usual.

The Gavial is a carnivore and has been known to eat large prey such as deer, wild boar, and even other crocodiles. They are not considered a danger to humans unless they are threatened or provoked, but nonetheless it is important to take caution around them and keep a safe distance.

If you see a Gavial near you, do not attempt to approach or touch it. Instead, immediately call your local authorities or wildlife experts for assistance. It is important to remember that while Gavials may look tame, they are still wild animals and should be treated as such.

Dramatic increase in gavial population confirmed!

The recent study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India has confirmed a dramatic increase in gavial population. The study, published in the journal "Current Science", used molecular genetic tools for population estimation and found that the population has increased from 1,869 in 2001 to 2,616 in 2011.

Gavial is a critically endangered crocodilian species that is endemic to India and Bangladesh. The species is mainly threatened by habitat loss and hunting. It has been listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1996.

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is a premier research institute of the Government of India that undertakes research on wildlife ecology, management and conservation. The institute has been involved in gavial conservation since 1970s.

The study was conducted by Dr. KV Santhosh, Mr. Sandeep Kumar and Ms. Archana Mishra of WII. They used mitochondrial DNA sequence data of the cytochrome b gene to estimate the population size of gavial. This is the first time that this approach has been used for population estimation of this species.

The study found that the population size has increased from 1,869 in 2001 to 2,616 in 2011. The main reason for this increase is believed to be better conservation efforts by the government agencies and NGOs involved in gavial conservation.

The study also found that there is a high genetic diversity within the gavial population and it is important to preserve it for future survival of the species.

Incredible footage of gavials during mating season!

The waters of the river Chambal in India's Madhya Pradesh state are usually a haven for gavials during the mating season. However, the incredible footage captured by a tour group on a recent safari boat trip shows that these reptiles can be just as curious and playful as any other creature!

In one clip, a group of gavials can be seen swimming around playfully as tourists watch on in amazement. Another clip shows a male gavial attempting to mate with a female, but she's not interested and swims away!

Despite their size, gavials are actually quite timid creatures and usually avoid humans. That's why it's so amazing to see them interacting so naturally with people – it really is an incredible sight!

Could gavials become the new apex predator?

The gavial, a crocodilian that is closely related to the American alligator and the Chinese alligator, is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. This is largely due to their low population size and the increasing demand for their skins. However, there is evidence that they may be able to bounce back if conservation efforts are increased.

Gavials are found in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They inhabit freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes and tanks. They are elongated animals with a long snout and narrow jaws. They feed on fish, turtles, birds, small mammals and other reptiles.

Their population size has shrunk by more than 50% in the past few decades due to hunting and loss of habitat. However, there have been some encouraging signs in recent years. In India, for example, the population of gavials in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary has increased from around 100 individuals in 2006 to over 500 individuals in 2016.

There are several reasons why gavials may be able to recover from their current state. Firstly, they are able to breed at a young age and produce large numbers of offspring. Secondly, they are amphibious and can travel long distances over land between different water bodies. Thirdly, they have a very wide diet which makes them less vulnerable to changes in their environment.

If conservation efforts continue to increase, it is possible that gavials could become the new apex predator in many parts of their range. This would help to restore balance to these ecosystems and ensure their long-term survival.

Giant crocodilian spotted in river near major city!

Residents of a major city were alarmed this week when a giant crocodilian was spotted in a river near the city. The crocodilian was estimated to be at least 20 feet long, and its presence in the river posed a serious threat to people and animals in the area.

The city's mayor issued a statement calling on residents to be vigilant and avoid the river until officials could determine how to deal with the crocodilian. Wildlife experts were brought in to try and capture the animal, but they had difficulty even spotting it in the murky water.

By late Wednesday night, the crocodilian had disappeared from the river. Officials are still trying to determine where it went and what dangers it may pose to people and animals in the area. In the meantime, residents are advised to stay away from any body of water that may contain the crocodilian.