Gharial and Sloth Bear Set for Focused Conservation Under National Wildlife Programme

Wildlife Board’s New Recommendations

Gharial and Sloth Bear Set for Focused Conservation Under National Wildlife Programme: The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has suggested adding the Gharial and the Sloth Bear to the list of species covered under the Species Recovery Programme. This initiative is a major component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH), which works to protect India’s most threatened species.

Role of the SC-NBWL

Formed under the framework of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the SC-NBWL is responsible for reviewing critical wildlife matters and advising on the best conservation actions. It functions under the larger National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), which is India’s top policy-making body for forest and wildlife issues.

Static GK fact: The NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister, while the SC-NBWL is led by the Union Environment Minister.

Gharial’s Survival Challenges

The Gharial, known for its narrow and elongated snout, is highly specialized for life in freshwater rivers. It is primarily found in the Chambal and Girwa rivers in India and the Rapti-Naryani river system in Nepal. Male gharials are easily recognized by a bulbous growth on their snouts called a ‘ghara’, used for vocal communication.

Conservation Tags for Gharial:

• Critically Endangered – IUCN Red List
• Schedule I – Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Appendix I – CITES

Static GK Tip: India is home to three species of crocodilians: the Gharial, Mugger, and Saltwater Crocodile, each found in different aquatic habitats.

Understanding the Sloth Bear

The Sloth Bear, native to the Indian subcontinent, inhabits forest regions across five major zones including the Western Ghats, Peninsular India, and parts of the North-East. These bears are mostly nocturnal, prefer solitude, and are noted for their shaggy coat.

They mainly consume insects like termites and ants, which makes them crucial for natural pest control in their habitats.

Conservation Tags for Sloth Bear:

• Vulnerable – IUCN Red List
• Schedule I – Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Appendix I – CITES

Static GK fact: The Sloth Bear is the only bear species endemic to India and plays an important ecological role in seed dispersal and soil health.

Overview of CSS-IDWH

The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH) is a centrally funded scheme aimed at improving conditions for wildlife both inside and outside protected zones. It supports states and union territories in safeguarding biodiversity.

Its scope includes:

• Strengthening infrastructure in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and community reserves
• Reducing human-wildlife clashes through preventive measures
• Running recovery projects for species facing a risk of extinction

Static GK fact: So far, 22 species—including the Great Indian Bustard and Asiatic Lion—have been brought under this recovery initiative, marking it as one of India’s key wildlife conservation drives.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Gharial and Sloth Bear Set for Focused Conservation Under National Wildlife Programme: