Boudh, May 26: Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha has welcomed a new batch of gharial hatchlings, bringing fresh hope for the conservation of the endangered reptile species. A female gharial near Baladamara in the Satkosia gorge has successfully given birth to 19 hatchlings nearly 60 days after laying eggs.

The month of May has turned out to be particularly significant for Satkosia, as this marks the sixth consecutive successful natural hatching in the sanctuary after a gap of nearly 40 years.

According to forest officials, the female gharial had laid 24 eggs in March this year near Baladamara within the Satkosia gorge sanctuary area.

Although the hatching process was delayed due to extreme summer temperatures, the successful emergence of 19 hatchlings has brought relief and excitement among wildlife officials and conservationists. The delay had initially raised concerns within the forest department regarding the survival of the eggs.

To ensure safe breeding, authorities had imposed restrictions on fishing and boat movement in the core area of the sanctuary during the incubation period. Officials say the successful hatching is a positive sign for gharial conservation efforts in the region.

The birth of the hatchlings has sparked joy among wildlife staff, who see it as an encouraging development for the revival of the critically endangered gharial population in Satkosia.