Indian Gharial

Why in News?

Recently, scientists warned that Indian gharial and other 5 species might go extinct within the next 5 years unless drastic conservation measures are taken.

• Indian Gharial – It is the only visibly sexually dimorphic crocodilian, derives its name from Ghara, an Indian word for Pot.
• Scientific Name – Gavialis gangeticus.
• It is known as Gharial, Fish Eating Crocodile, Indian Gavial, Gavial and Long Nosed Crocodile.
• Habitat – River habitats with deep, clear, fast-flowing waters and steep, sandy banks.
• Distribution – Only in the waters of India and Nepal.

The surviving population found within the tributaries of the Ganges river system and less than 250 in the wild.

• Morphology – It has a thick skin covered with smooth epidermal scales that do not overlap.
• The snout of the gharial is uniquely the thinnest and most elongated among all the crocodilians.

• Characteristics – Its long narrow snout has very little resistance to water, allowing swiping motions to snap up fish in their mouth.
• Diet – Primarily fish eaters, some individuals known to scavenge dead animals.
• Feed on warm-blooded species, fish, insects, larvae and small frogs.
• Threats – Dam construction
  • Barrages and water abstraction
  • River bed cultivation
  • Pollution
  • Loss of river habitats.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN – Critically Endangered.
  • CITES – Appendix I.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I.

 References

1. The Indian Express| Indian Gharial   
2. WWF| Gharial
3. WII| Gharial’s Characteristics, Diet & Habitat