Gharial Crocodile by Nathalie Heseltine
The artwork used on these cards was created to cast light on a variety of endangered species from around the world. Made from collages of magazine clippings, the originals of these vibrant and beautiful pieces have been exhibited in London.
The Gharial Crocodile
STATUS: Critically endangered
Found in India, these crocodiles grow up to 6 meters long, making them one of the largest crocodilians, but with the narrowest snout. This snout enables them to whip its head sideways through the water to snatch prey. The Gharial has quite weak legs and is unable to raise its body off the ground when on land.
As the human population explosion of the Indian subcontinent continues to encroach on the river systems, habitat loss, degradation and hunting pose as the Gharial Crocodile's biggest threats.
CONSERVATION: The population reached a catastrophic low in the 1970s prompting a massive rescue campaign. Restocking programs involving captive breeding and ranching (wild eggs reared in captivity and then re-released) have been introduced, but in order to ensure its survival habitat degradation and hunting need to be reduced. Thus, the focus of current conservation is turning more towards education and involvement of local people.
About the artist
From her days of looking after hundreds of stick insects to her incredible artwork that highlights the plight of some of our most wonderful creatures, London based Nathalie Heseltine has always had a love for animals. When she's not creating her masterpieces, you can find her either studying marine conservation or travelling to some far flung country to save marine life.
www.nathalieheseltine.co.uk