Dhritiman spent many days watching gharials from the riverbank in silence so as not to disturb them. He eventually captured this image of a large, four-metre-long male – identified by the bulbous growth at the tip of its snout – providing support for its month-old offspring. At various times, all sexes care for their young.
A male gharial may mate with seven or more females, forming one large crèche for all their hatchlings. The species’ habitat is threatened by the removal of sand from the riverbanks on which they nest, as well as the damming and diversion of rivers. Although there are only around 650 adults worldwide, the gharial population is growing due to conservation efforts.
India
In the last 20 years Dhritiman has pushed his limits as a photographer to do work that is compelling and scientifically essential. Of his several accolades, his proudest are the Carl Zeiss Conservation and the RBS Earth Heroes awards. He is a published photographer, has co-authored the book Magical Biodiversity of India and is the founder of Saevus, a nature and wildlife magazine.
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