Ecological and anthropogenic covariates ... - GANGAPEDIA

where fishing was high. Similar results were seen with movement of people and
livestock along the river stretch.
I also attempted to test the feasibility of capture-recapture methods for quantitative
estimation of gharial numbers. I was able to identify individuals based on natural
blotches on the lateral sides of the gharials tail and along the caudal scutes. Nicks,
scars and injuries can also be used as a second line of identification. Hence, I propose
that individual identification, used within a capture recapture framework, can provide
an effective way for robust estimation of gharial abundances.
For effective conservation and management of gharials within their natural habitats, it
is important to be able to assess species distribution and abundance, and the influence
of habitat attributes and human disturbances on them. This will help understand
population dynamics of the species and is vital to determine the status of gharial
populations and the success of conservation efforts. Moreover, the ability to identify,
quantify and map the limiting factors for a species will enable the prediction of the
abundance of that species based on these factors. Population studies are essential to
determine the status of gharials in the wild, assess the success and validity of
conservation measures, make management recommendations and design conservation
strategies.
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