COOCH BEHAR, Aug. 5. - Some fisherman netted a Gharial
in the Sutanga River at Mathabhanga this morning.
Forest department officials went there
and sent the captured animal to the Gharial Breeding centre at Rasik-Bill
in Tufanganj.
The rescued Gharial belongs to an almost extinct species, according
to forest officials. About a month ago, another Gharial was found
from Kheti-Fulbari in Mathabhanga. It was also sent to Rasik-Bill.Gharials
were earlier found in plentiful numbers in various rivers of the
region. Their number has steadily decreased over a period of years
due to unknown reasons. The Gharial breeding centre at Rasik-Bill,
Tufanganj was set up in the hope of reviving the Gharial population.