While exploring the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary in India last year, wildlife photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee set out to capture images of one of the world’s rarest reptiles — the critically endangered gharial.
With its long, slender snout and fish-focused diet, the gharial is unlike any other crocodile — and with fewer than 250 adults remaining in the wild, sightings are incredibly rare.
But Mukherjee didn’t just find a gharial — he found an extraordinary father caring for an enormous brood.
“In this species, one male mates with several females — often eight or nine — and then guards all their babies alone,” Mukherjee told The Dodo.
Over the course of a week, Mukherjee observed the massive male watching over hundreds of tiny hatchlings.
While most crocodiles carry their babies in their mouths, the gharial’s narrow jaws aren’t built for that. Instead, this dedicated dad gives his young a lift — right on his back.
The result is a surreal and touching sight: a hulking reptile swimming through the river, his body covered in wriggling baby gharials clinging to his scales for safety.
“He was incredibly protective,” Mukherjee said. “He stayed close to the babies at all times and became aggressive if anything came near them. It was clear he was completely devoted to keeping them safe.”
Mukherjee’s photos of the vigilant father have offered a rare glimpse into the secret world of one of the planet’s most endangered reptiles.
His work also highlights the importance of protecting river ecosystems, which are rapidly shrinking due to dam construction, pollution, and overfishing.
“With my photography, I want to connect people emotionally and scientifically to the natural world,” Mukherjee said. “It’s a powerful way to raise awareness and support conservation.”
Thanks to this remarkable crocodile dad — and Mukherjee’s lens — the world is now paying a little more attention to the gharial’s struggle for survival.
To explore more of Dhritiman Mukherjee’s powerful wildlife photography, follow him on Instagram.
