Global News - January 2008
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Mystery death hits rare crocodiles
Wed 23 January 2008 13:00 UK — Asia,Reptiles
Scientists and conservationists remain uncertain about what has caused the recent deaths of roughly 50 critically endangered crocodiles in India.
As many as 81 of the rare gharials are reported to have been washed ashore since December in the Chambai river sanctuary in central India, the Associated Press reported.
Scientists remain unsure as to the cause of death, with some citing an unknown parasite that has been found in the dead animals' livers and kidneys.
Dr. A.K. Sharma of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute told the website that: "We can say that [the] liver and kidney of these gharials were badly damaged. They were swollen and bigger than their usual size."
However, the doctor also linked the deaths to the possibility of the gharials having eaten contaminated fish from a nearby polluted river.
"The Chambal River has clear water free from heavy metals. The only possibility seems that these gharials might have migrated from [the] heavily polluted Yamuna River where they might have eaten fish."
There are thought to be only 1,500 gharials left in the world, with Chambai holding the largest breeding population of the reptile in the world.
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