One of the most critically endangered species on Earth, the Gharial is also known as the Indian Ghavial or Ghavial. Its scientific name is Gavialis Gangeticus which is actually based on a misspelling of the Hindi word Ghariyal. It gets its name from the Hindi word Ghara, a stout clay pot which resembles the bulbous growth on the nose of mature male Gharials. They are easily distinguishable from other crocodiles by their thin, long and elongated snout. It can grow up to 7 meters in length and is the second longest crocodilian after the Salt Water crocodile. Its color is uniform olive-grey with pale yellow belly.

Distribution and Habitat:

Gharials are found in Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Northern Part of India. They are found in the rivers Indus (Pakistan), Ganges (India, Bangladesh & Nepal), Brahmaputra (India, Bhutan & Bangladesh) and Irrawady River (Burma).

Gharials prefer deep, clear, fast flowing rivers with steep, sandy banks. Gharials are not comfortable out of water and moving on land is difficult for them as their legs are relatively weak and their feet are broadly webbed. They rarely venture out of the water. The only reasons they venture out are either to nest or bask on the banks of the river.

Diet:

Gharials feed primarily on fish. They also feed on water birds, snakes and small mammals. Their long snouts allow them to catch fish easily and their small, extremely sharp teeth are well suited to hold on to struggling slippery fish.

Reproduction:

The mating season is usually during the months of November and December. Between March and April, the laying of eggs and nesting activity are prominent among these species. The females can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The incubation period is about 90 days.

Male Ghraials become highly territorial during the breeding season. They use the bulbous growth at the end of their nose to produce sounds and bubbles during courtship.

Threats:

Agriculture on river banks, sand- mining, pollution, dams and irrigation projects are proving to be the main threats to the Gharial's existence by causing destruction of their habitat. They are also hunted for their valuable skin. They also die by getting trapped in fishermen nets and their eggs are also stolen for consumption.

Conservation:

In the 1970's the Gharial almost became extinct due to habitat loss, hunting and fishing and therefore full protection was granted to Gharials. A captive breeding program is slowly helping them to recover. Herpetologist Mr. Romulus Whitaker, popularly known as the Crocodile Man of India has been leading the Gharial Conservation Alliance for a number of years and has been instrumental in the increase of Gharial population in India.  Now there are 9 protected areas for Gharials in India and an estimated 1500 Wild Gharials.

But more needs to be done to save these Gharials from meeting the same as their already extinct relatives The Beak Crocodile, so the future generation can enjoy the majestic look of these rare and beautiful species.