Gharial Latest News
Despite significant existential threats, a comprehensive survey across the Ganga River basin recently revealed a population of 3,037 gharials (Gavialis gangeticus), the critically endangered fish-eating crocodile, inhabiting 13 of the surveyed rivers.
About Gharial
- It is a freshwater crocodile belonging to the Crocodylia Order and Crocodylidae Family.
- Scientific Name: Gavialis gangeticus
- The name ‘gharial’ comes from the Hindi word ghara, meaning pot or vessel, referring to the bulbous snout tip of adult males, which resembles an inverted pot.
Gharial DistributionÂ
- Its range spanned the rivers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
- Their major population occurs in three tributaries of the Ganga River: the Chambal and Girwa Rivers in India and the Rapti-Naryani River in Nepal.
- The Gharial reserves of India are located in three States: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Gharial Features
- It is one of the largest crocodilian species, with males reaching 16 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters) in length. Females typically grow to lengths of 11.5 to 15 feet (3.5 to 4.5 meters).
- They have thick skin covered with smooth epidermal scales that do not overlap.Â
- The snout of the gharial is uniquely the thinnest and most elongated among all the crocodilians.
- In addition, the adult males sport a large bulb at the tip of their snout, called the ‘ghara’.Â
- It is also the most aquatic of all crocodilians, for it never moves far from the water. Individuals typically only leave the water to bask and nest on sandbanks.
- Reproduction: They mate during November–January and lay eggs March–May.
Gharial Conservation Status
It is classified as 'Critically endangered' under the IUCN Red List.
Source: NIE
Gharial FAQs
Q1: What is Gharial?
Ans: It is a freshwater crocodile belonging to the Crocodylia Order and Crocodylidae Family.
Q2: Which physical feature gives the gharial its name?
Ans: The bulbous structure called the ‘ghara’ at the tip of the snout of adult males gives the gharial its name.
Q3: What was the historical distribution range of the gharial?
Ans: Historically, gharials were found in rivers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Q4: Where does the major population of gharials occur today?
Ans: The major population occurs in the Chambal and Girwa Rivers in India and the Rapti–Naryani River in Nepal.
Q5: What is the conservation status of the gharial according to the IUCN Red List?
Ans: The gharial is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
