Details for Gharial

• Gharial

  The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered species of crocodilian native to the river systems of the northern Indian subcontinent. It is unique among crocodilians for its extremely long, thin snout, which is ideally adapted for catching fish, its primary diet. Males develop a distinctive bulbous growth on the tip of their snout, called a 'ghara'. Gharials can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) in length. They inhabit clear, flowing rivers and are highly aquatic. Due to habitat loss, pollution, and historical overhunting, the gharial is one of the most threatened large reptiles.

  

  Habitat: The Gharial lives in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan.