A captivating photograph of a male freshwater gharial carrying over 100 of his month-old offspring on his back has won an award and will be featured in a wildlife exhibition. The photograph, taken by India-based photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee, captures a rare moment of crocodile parenting in northern India’s National Chambal Sanctuary.

The photograph shows the male gharial calmly waiting for his offspring to jump onto his back before securely transporting them away. The gharial is an endangered species, with only around 500 remaining in the wild. Mukherjee patrolled the sanctuary for weeks to capture this incredible moment.

The photograph has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award, which is voted for by the public. The award is part of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, which is run by the Natural History Museum in London.

Mukherjee’s photograph is a testament to the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species like the gharial. The National Chambal Sanctuary is a protected area that provides a safe haven for these crocodiles, as well as other threatened species like the Ganges river dolphin and the Indian skimmer.

Conservation efforts in the sanctuary have been successful in increasing the gharial population, but the species still faces many challenges. Habitat loss, pollution, and poaching are all threats to the survival of the gharial, and continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their long-term survival.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is an important platform for raising awareness about the importance of conservation. The competition showcases the beauty and diversity of the natural world, while also highlighting the threats that many species face.

Mukherjee’s photograph is a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the importance of protecting it for future generations. The photograph will be featured in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, which will be on display at the Natural History Museum in London from October 15, 2021, to June 5, 2022.

In conclusion, the photograph of the male gharial carrying his offspring on his back is a stunning example of crocodile parenting and a testament to the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species. The photograph’s recognition in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and the need to protect it for future generations.