Lucknow, June 16 -- On World Croc Day, Uttar Pradesh is showcasing one of India's most successful wildlife conservation stories, where a species once on the brink of extinction has not only returned to river ecosystems but has also emerged as a growing attraction for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
The state's Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre in Lucknow, established in 1975, has played a pivotal role in reviving the gharial population at a time when surveys estimated that only 250-300 gharials remained across India.
Today, the centre houses 466 gharials and records an annual addition of nearly 140-160 hatchlings through its scientific breeding programme. The success of the project has earned international recognition. The Nati...