National Chambal Sanctuary

National Chambal Sanctuary, located near Bhind in Madhya Pradesh and spanning parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, is a vital protected area primarily established to conserve the critically endangered gharial, a crocodilian species, along with other aquatic fauna. The sanctuary stretches across about 5,400 square kilometers along a 600 km stretch of the Chambal River, which is notably one of India's cleanest rivers, providing an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife. It hosts key species such as the gharial, smooth-coated otter, marsh crocodile (mugger), and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.

The sanctuary is home to eight species of freshwater turtles, including the red-crowned roof turtle, and supports over 320 species of resident and migratory birds, among them the endangered Indian skimmer, sarus crane, and Pallas's fish eagle. Mammals like the striped hyena, Indian wolf, golden jackal, Bengal fox, and various small mammals also inhabit the region.

The sanctuary's riverbanks and sandbars serve as important nesting sites for many bird species. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area and a proposed Ramsar site due to its ecological significance. The ecosystem faces threats from human activities like agriculture, poaching, and water contamination, but ongoing conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and promoting eco-tourism such as river safaris and bird watching.

This sanctuary is a critical refuge for several endangered species and represents a unique tri-state conservation effort preserving rich biodiversity in a semi-arid landscape.