Wildlife | Reptile
Image by Sarangib, Pixabay
Introduction of Gharial
Gharials are reptiles closely related to crocodiles and belong to the Gavialidae family.
They are a type of Asian crocodilian, including crocodiles, alligators, caimans, etc. They have long, thin snouts, which distinguishes them from other crocodilians.
The Gharial population has fallen almost 98% since the 1940s.
There are several reasons for the declining Gharial population, majorly hunting and loss of their natural habitats (like forests due to the construction of dams.)
Their habitat faces a threat due to the reduction of water levels.
The Indian Government has granted complete protection to Gharials under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
They are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list.
The Zoological Society of London has identified Gharials as one of the world's 100 most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) reptiles.
Earlier gharials were found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Myanmar but now it's mainly found in Nepal & India only.
Scientific Name of Gharial
Gavialis gangeticus
Physical Description of the Gharial
Gharials weigh up to 1000 kgs.
Male gharials are typically between 16 and 20 feet long, while female gharials grow to 11.5 to 15 feet in length.
They are usually light tan or olive-coloured with darker bands along the back and tail.
Gharials have sharp and interlocking teeth that line their elongated jaw.
Gharials have the maximum number of teeth among other crocodile species, on average they have around 110 teeth.
Male gharials experience considerable growth in their snouts. This is called a Ghara, meaning a mud pot in Hindi. The Hindi name gharial is derived from the word Ghara only.
The life cycle of the Gharial
The average lifespan of this animal in the wild is 40 to 60 years.
Gharials are polygamous, with one male defending the territory where he and several females live.
Gharials’ mating season usually occurs in December and January. Females deposit an average of 40 eggs in nests during March and April.
The average incubation period of eggs is between 60 and 80 days, and the sex of the hatchlings is determined during incubation.
Females provide the sole parental care for the hatchlings.
Just before hatching the baby gharials start calling their mother from inside the egg, and then their mother digs out and helps them to come out from the mud.
Characteristics of the Gharial
Gharials are found in clean freshwater rivers, usually at river bends with deep waters.
They move out of the water mainly for nesting or bask in the sun.
They regulate their body temperatures by basking in the sun, resting under shade, or staying in water to cool down.
Gharials have excellent night vision ability.
Their snouts, lined with rows of sharp teeth, are well-adapted to capture fish.
These animals are timid by nature and avoid any contact with humans.
Behaviours like head slapping the water and buzzing vocalisation are displayed when there is a dispute over territory.
They often keep open their mouth, it is called gaping, and this is helpful to control their temperature.
Diet of Gharial
Gharials are carnivorous and primarily eat fish. The gharial hatchlings eat insects, crustaceans, frogs and other available wildlife.
