Gharial, also known as gavials, are a type of crocodilian found in the river systems of India and Nepal. These endangered reptiles are easily distinguished by their long and narrow snouts.
With an average size of 12-15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 meters), gharials are the longest species of crocodilian alive today. Although they may appear intimidating, gharial actually pose no threat to humans and even have been witnessed consuming corpses set afloat in funeral ceremonies on the Ganges River.
The gharial population has declined drastically over the past few decades due to human interference such as intense fishing practices, sand and gravel mining, pollution, and habitat destruction. There is estimated to be only 650 left in the world with 22 adult gharials recently spotted in the Ganges River providing a much needed boost to the count.
In order to help protect these fascinating creatures, conservation efforts are being made both by governments and non-profit organizations by creating protected areas for them to live, creating awareness about their plight, monitoring populations through aerial surveys and radio tagging individuals for research purposes, as well as constructing fish ladders so that they can access more suitable habitats.
If we continue to take necessary steps to conserve these amazing creatures then we can ensure that future generations will have an opportunity to witness them thriving in their natural habitats once again!
Do Gharials Pose a Threat to Humans?
No, gharials do not eat humans. Generally, their diet consists of fish and other aquatic animals such as crabs, turtles, and amphibians. While there have been reports of gharials feeding on human corpses set afloat in funeral ceremonies on the Ganges River, this behavior is not common and does not suggest that they actively seek out or prey upon humans.
Estimated Number of Gharials Remaining
According to recent estimates, there are only around 650 gharials left in the world. This number was recently boosted by the presence of 22 adult gharials in the Ganga River, making it one of the largest populations of gharials in the world. The species is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List and is facing a great risk of extinction due to various factors including habitat destruction and pollution.
Are Gharials Related to Crocodiles or Alligators?
Gharials are neither crocodiles nor alligators, but a type of crocodilian. Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes alligators, caimans, and more. Gharials are distinguished from other crocodilians by their very long, thin snouts. They are native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in parts of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Gharials are critically endangered due to loss of habitat and overfishing in the rivers where they live. Therefore, conservation efforts have been put into place to help protect them from extinction.
Gharial Distribution in India
Yes, gharial is found in India only at present. Historically, they were found in the river systems of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and southern part of Bhutan and Nepal. However, in recent years their population has drastically declined due to the destruction of their habitat and the over-exploitation of their eggs by humans. As a result, they now only remain in the waters of India and Nepal. Conservation efforts are underway to ensure that this species does not become extinct.
Are Gharials Friendly?
No, gharials are not typically friendly towards humans. They are very shy and reclusive creatures, preferring to stay away from people. If they feel threatened, they may become aggressive and defend themselves. That said, gharials have never been known to actively pursue or attack humans, so they do not pose a direct danger to people.
Are Gharials Larger Than Crocodiles?
Gharials are generally larger than freshwater crocodiles, but quite a bit smaller than saltwater crocodiles. The average length of an adult gharial is around 4 to 6 meters (13-20 feet), while the average length for freshwater crocodiles is around 3 to 4 meters (10-13 feet). Gharials also have a much longer snout than other crocodile species, which helps them catch prey more easily. Additionally, female gharials have a bulbous structure at the tip of their noses.
Where Can I Find Gharial in Zoos?
Gharial, a species of large crocodilian native to India and Nepal, can be found at many zoos around the world. In the United States, gharial can be found at the National Zoo in Washington D.C., The Houston Zoo in Texas, The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California, and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens (LA Zoo) in California. The LA Zoo houses two male gharials in its Reptile House exhibit. This species is endangered due to habitat destruction and over-fishing of teir prey, so these zoos play an important role in helping to preserve them for future generations.
The Presence of Gharials in Pakistan
No, there are no gharials in Pakistan. In fact, the gharial is considered to be one of the most critically threatened of all crocodilians, becoming alarmingly close to extinction in the 1970s. This has led to the point whre it is virtually extinct in Pakistan and its numbers are declining rapidly throughout South Asia. The main threats to the species include habitat destruction and fragmentation, overfishing, and poaching for skin and meat. Conservation efforts have been undertaken, such as captive breeding and habitat restoration work, but unfortunately these measures have not been successful enough to prevent the gharial from being virtually extinct in Pakistan.
Source: cnn.com
Differences Between Alligators and Gharials
No, alligators and gharials are not the same. Alligators are members of the family Alligatoridae and gharials belong to the family Gavialidae. Alligators have a wide rounded, “U” shaped snout that packs more crushing power to eat prey like turtles, while gharials have a distinctively long, thin snout with bumps along its length and a bulbous nostril that they use to produce sounds and make bubbles during courtship. Furthermore, alligators are found in North America and China, while the gharial is only found in India and Nepal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gharial is an endangered species of Asian crocodilian that typically reaches a length of 12 to 15 feet and has a long, thin snout. Once found in the river system of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and southern Bhutan and Nepal, they are now only known to remain in the waters of India and Nepal. Conservation efforts have helped increase their population as there are now 650 left in the world with 22 adults being found in the Ganges River. Despite their appearance they do not attack humans but instead feed on corpses set afloat during funeral ceremonies.
