Location: 105 km west of Cuttack,
Orissa
Area: 22 km of river; Sanctuary 79,552 ha
Altitude: 75-100 m
Description of site: A 22-km stretch of the Mahanadi
river in the Satkoshia Gorge between Tikerpara and Barmul. The river is very
slow-flowing for much of the year and contains many deep pools, even during
the dry season. Numerous sand bars and gravel beds are exposed at low water
levels
Climatic conditions: Tropical monsoon climate Principal vegetation:
No information
Land tenure: State-owned
Conservation measures taken: The Satkoshia Gorge Sanctuary
was established in 1976 to protect a population of the endangered gharial
(Gavialis gangeticus). Some 107 captive-reared individuals were released into
the river between 1977 and March 1980 to augment the vestigial wild population.
The animals are strictly protected within the Sanctuary
Economic and social values: No information
Fauna: Until recently, the Satkoshia Gorge section
of the Mahanadi river supported one of the last significant populations of
the endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in India. The last wild hatchlings
were seen in 1974, and no eggs have been laid since the 1976 breeding season.
A major effort is, however, being made to restore the population with animals
reared in captivity from eggs collected elsewhere
Special floral values: No information
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