Gavial
The Gavial, also known as the Gharial, is a unique species of crocodile native to the rivers of India. It is known for its long, slender snout, which is perfectly adapted for catching fish.
The Gavial is a powerful and opportunistic predator that preys on a variety of fish.
The Gavial is a critically endangered species, with its numbers declining due to pollution and habitat loss.
Gavial
Classification
Reptilia > Crocodilia > Gavialidae > Gavialis > G. gangeticus
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
12 - 15 feet
(3.7 - 4.6 m)
Average Weight
500 - 1,000 lbs
(227 - 454 kg)
Average Life Span
40 - 60 years
Gestation Period
60 - 80 days
Did You Know?
The Gavial, also known as the Gharial, is a critically endangered crocodilian native to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent.
They are easily recognizable by their long, thin snout, which is perfectly adapted for catching fish, their primary diet.
Male Gavials develop a distinctive bulbous growth on the tip of their snout when they reach maturity, which is called a "ghara" (meaning "pot" in Hindi).
Gavials spend most of their lives in water and are not very agile on land.
They can grow to be quite large, with males reaching up to 20 feet in length.
Female Gavials lay their eggs in sandy riverbanks, and the mothers will protect the hatchlings for a period after they emerge.
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