Gharial

Gavialis gangeticus

Habitat
Deep fast-flowing rivers

Distribution
Himalayan-fed rivers in Indian sub-continent

Status
CITES Appendix 1

Population
The wild population probably exceeds 1200; a large number are also held in captivity.

Threats
Habitat loss and disturbance, killing for skins, and fishery operations

Conservation
Good conservation programmes are in place over much of the species range. During the late 1970s, the species was brought back from close to extinction by captive breeding and release programmes.

Size
Males 6.5 m females 4.5 m

Weight
Not available

Special features
Large fish eating crocodile with slender snout. Breeding females guard the nests and tend the young for several months.

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File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996