Award-Winning Photograph Captures Endangered Gharial with Hundreds of Babies


An extraordinary photograph capturing a critically endangered freshwater gharial carrying hundreds of its babies has earned wildlife photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee a prestigious award from the Natural History Museum in London. 
This breathtaking image, recognized as one of the most striking wildlife photographs of the year, highlights the fascinating behavior and delicate conservation status of the gharial, a unique crocodilian species native to South Asia.

The freshwater gharial, distinguished by its long, slender snout, is critically endangered, with fewer than 1,000 adult individuals left in the wild. This represents a sharp decline from historical population estimates, which once reached more than 20,000. Today, approximately three-quarters of the remaining population are concentrated within protected areas, such as the Chambal River Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, India. Conservationists are concerned that the species is teetering on the edge of extinction due to habitat loss, water pollution, and depletion of fish stocks, which form their primary diet.

Mukherjee's photograph not only captures the species’ unique characteristics but also sheds light on its remarkable parenting behavior. Unlike most crocodilian species, which transport their young in their mouths, gharials are unable to do so because of their distinctively narrow snouts. This physical limitation forces gharial hatchlings to cling to their parents' heads and backs for safety and warmth. Mukherjee spent several days observing the gharials in their natural habitat, ultimately capturing this awe-inspiring moment that underscores the close bond between parent and offspring.

Through his award-winning work, Mukherjee aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for conservation measures to protect the gharial. His photograph serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of biodiversity in South Asia and highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats for species that play critical roles in their ecosystems.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Young wildlife Photographer's photo Of A 'kissing blackbird' Gets Purchased By Co-op

Image
A young wildlife photographer, Ben Pulletz, has achieved a remarkable feat as his photograph of two blackbirds "kissing" has been chosen to be turned into a card and sold in Co-op supermarkets.  The 21-year-old photographer, who resides in Somerset, captured a series of stunning images showcasing animals and nature in his local surroundings. These included a rabbit in a meadow, a grasshopper, a great tit perched among rose hips, and a picturesque field of daisies. For years, Pulletz has been tirelessly pursuing the perfect wildlife photographs, never imagining that a national chain would take an interest in his work. He expressed his delight, particularly regarding the use of his daisy photograph, which happens to be his mother's favorite. The cards featuring Pulletz's captivating images will be launched in 1,300 Co-op stores, and as a gesture of support for wildlife conservation, the Co-op will donate £10,000 to the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection ...
Read more

Oscar Pistorius' Current Situation After His Release From Prison

Image
Following his release from prison for the murder of his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, Oscar Pistorius, the disgraced former Paralympian track star, has resurfaced after eight years.  Now 37 years old, Pistorius served nine years of a 13-year prison sentence for fatally shooting Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013. During his trial, Pistorius claimed that he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar when he fired shots through a closed bathroom door in the middle of the night. However, prosecutors argued that he knew it was Steenkamp on the other side because they had just had an argument, and he witnessed her running into the bathroom and slamming the door. Recently, images captured by South African news site Netwerk24 show Pistorius with a wide grin on his face, but he appears a mere shadow of his former self. His hair has turned fully gray, and he is noticeably thinner compared to his previous weight gain during his time in prison. Since his release in January, Pistorius ...
Read more

Victor Osimhen Leads Galatasaray to Thrilling Victory Over Tottenham in Europa League Clash

Image
In an electrifying UEFA Europa League encounter, Victor Osimhen was the driving force behind Galatasaray's impressive triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, securing a crucial victory that has reinvigorated the Turkish side's campaign.  The Nigerian forward's stellar performance on the European stage showcased his quality and proved decisive as Galatasaray emerged 3-2 winners at home. From the opening minutes, Osimhen set the tone, displaying relentless energy, pace, and skill, constantly pressuring Tottenham’s defense. His powerful runs and clinical finishing left Spurs struggling to contain his influence. Galatasaray’s attacking prowess, largely built around Osimhen, began to take shape early, creating chances that put the visitors on the back foot. The first breakthrough came in the 24th minute, with Osimhen finding the net after a skillful interplay with his teammates. His speed and positioning allowed him to slot the ball past Tottenham's goalkeeper, igniting ...
Read more