🐊

Gharial

Gavialis gangeticus

Critically Endangered ↑

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

60 years

Length

5.0 m

Weight

200.0 kg

Population

650

Trend

↑ Increasing

About

The gharial is a fish-eating crocodilian with a distinctive long, narrow snout. It is critically endangered with fewer than 700 adults.

Fun Facts

✨ Males develop a bulbous growth on their snout called a ghara.
✨ They are among the largest crocodilians alive.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical coniferous forests, and temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, among 6 distinct biome types spanning the Indomalayan and Palearctic realms. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

💧 Wetlands (Inland)

Distributed across India and Nepal. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇳🇵 Nepal 🇮🇳 India

Diet & Behavior

🥩

Carnivore

Gharial is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore

Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

CR Critically Endangered

Estimated Population

650

Population Trend

↑ Increasing

Full Taxonomy

Crocodylia (Crocodilians)

Family

Crocodylidae (Crocodiles)

Genus

Crocodylus (True Crocodiles)

Species

Gavialis gangeticus (Gharial)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Gharial?

The scientific name of Gharial is Gavialis gangeticus. It belongs to the genus Crocodylus.

What is the conservation status of Gharial?

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is increasing.

Where does Gharial live?

Gharial is found in Distributed across India and Nepal. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include India, Nepal.

What family does Gharial belong to?

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) belongs to the genus Crocodylus, which is part of the taxonomic family Crocodylidae.

What does Gharial eat?

Gharial is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Gharial live?

Gharial has an average lifespan of approximately 60 years in the wild.

How many Gharial are left in the wild?

The estimated wild population of Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is approximately 650 individuals.

Is Gharial endangered?

Yes, Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.