127 ghariyals die in Chambal sanctuary

November 24th, 2010 - 8:53 pm ICT by IANS  

New Delhi, Nov 24 (IANS) A total of 127 ghariyals died in the Chambal sanctuary spread across three states due to various reasons including poaching in 2007-10, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said Wednesday.

“There are about 800 ghariyals and 300 crocodiles in the National Chambal Sanctuary. (As many as) 127 ghariyals and five crocodiles died in the last three years,” he said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

“The reasons include natural death, poaching and possibly effects of some toxins manifested as articular and visceral gout,” the minister said.

The sanctuary is spread across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The highest number of 78 ghariyal deaths was reported from Uttar Pradesh followed by 47 from Madhya Pradesh and two from Rajasthan.

Two crocodiles died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan each and one in Uttar Pradesh.

Both ghariyals and crocodiles are highly endangered species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.

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