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<p>Understanding the thermal dynamics of nests is critical for crocodylians, as they rely on optimal environmental temperatures for physiological processes, developmental success, and sex determination. Each of these factors is critical for maintaining population dynamics and the long-term persistence of species in the wild. In the present study, we assessed the thermal dynamics of the 17 wild gharial (<i>Gavialis gangeticus</i>) nests over three nesting seasons (2017–2019). We observed a significant difference in incubation temperature between the monitored nests across the years. The lowest and the highest incubation temperatures were (mean ± standard deviation) 30.3 ± 2.3&#xa0;°C and the highest was 32.9 ± 2.8&#xa0;°C, respectively. The predicted hatchling sex ratio based on constant temperature equivalent (CTE) suggests female dominanc (1:3.2) in the monitored gharial nests. Considering the skewed sex ratio and nest temperatures reaching viable upper thermal limit (33.5&#xa0;°C), it is recommended to implement continuous monitoring of thermal dynamic of the gharial nests. Conservation efforts should therefore prioritize the protection and management of nesting habitats, establishing long-term monitoring of nest thermal dynamics and reproductive success across multiple nesting sites to mitigate temperature-related impacts.</p>

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Nest thermal dynamics and predicted sex ratio in endemic freshwater crocodylian, gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in Chambal River, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月2日

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  • Surya Prasad Sharma,
  • Suyash Katdare,
  • Ruchi Badola,
  • Syed Ainul Hussain

摘要

Understanding the thermal dynamics of nests is critical for crocodylians, as they rely on optimal environmental temperatures for physiological processes, developmental success, and sex determination. Each of these factors is critical for maintaining population dynamics and the long-term persistence of species in the wild. In the present study, we assessed the thermal dynamics of the 17 wild gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) nests over three nesting seasons (2017–2019). We observed a significant difference in incubation temperature between the monitored nests across the years. The lowest and the highest incubation temperatures were (mean ± standard deviation) 30.3 ± 2.3 °C and the highest was 32.9 ± 2.8 °C, respectively. The predicted hatchling sex ratio based on constant temperature equivalent (CTE) suggests female dominanc (1:3.2) in the monitored gharial nests. Considering the skewed sex ratio and nest temperatures reaching viable upper thermal limit (33.5 °C), it is recommended to implement continuous monitoring of thermal dynamic of the gharial nests. Conservation efforts should therefore prioritize the protection and management of nesting habitats, establishing long-term monitoring of nest thermal dynamics and reproductive success across multiple nesting sites to mitigate temperature-related impacts.