gharial

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also called the gavial, is a large crocodilian native to the Indian subcontinent. It is distinguished by its extremely long, narrow snout, which gives it a distinctive profile among crocodilians.

Adult gharials can reach up to about 6 meters in length, with males generally larger than females. The snout is slender and lined with many sharp teeth suited to catching fish. The male develops a bulbous growth at the end of the snout, known as a ghara, during the breeding season, which is thought to amplify vocalizations and attract females.

Habitats and distribution have shifted over time. Historically widespread across northern India, Nepal, and surrounding regions, wild gharials today survive mainly in the Ganges river basin and a few other large rivers in northern India and Nepal, with protected areas such as the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary supporting significant populations.

Ecology and behavior: Gharials feed primarily on fish and are well adapted for catching slippery prey with quick jaw strikes. They are generally solitary outside the breeding season, though they may bask in groups on sandbanks along rivers.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs during the colder months into spring. Females lay clutches of several tens of eggs on sandbanks near rivers. Incubation lasts roughly 70–85 days. Hatchlings are small and depend on aquatic habitats; sex is determined by incubation temperature.

Conservation status: The IUCN lists the gharial as Critically Endangered. Major threats include habitat loss from damming and sand mining, decline of fish stocks, pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and illegal capture. Conservation measures include protected areas, captive breeding programs, habitat restoration, and community-based management.