The gharial is a crocodilian found in the rivers of India and Nepal. Also known as the fish-eating crocodile or gavial, it is one of the longest extant crocodilians, typically measuring between 10 and 18 feet in length. The gharial is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and therefore requires constant conservation efforts.
Adult gharials weigh between 150 and 250 kilograms (330–550 lbs), with males being larger than females. They have long, narrow snouts lined with numerous sharp teeth. Compared to other crocodilians, Gharials are slow on land and spend most of their time in the water. It is only for sunbathing (basking), they come out of the water. Like other crocodilians, Gharials are cold-blooded and need the sun to regulate their body temperature.
The species was likely named “gharial” because of the bulbous growth on the end of the male’s snout. In Hindi, the word “ghara” refers to an earthen pot. Since the snout protrusion resembles an earthen pot, the name “gharial” is believed to have originated from this word.
Why gharial is not a “true” crocodile?
The gharial is classified under the family Gavialidae and the genus Gavialis. It is not considered a “true” crocodile. True crocodiles are crocodilian species classified under the family Crocodylidae.
Historical range and current population
Gharials were once found from northwestern India to central Myanmar. Today, their range is restricted to a few pockets in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems. While there is no precise population count, the number of mature individuals is estimated to be fewer than 1,000. However, some optimistic sources suggest the total population could be between 1,000 and 3,000.
Best places to see the gharial in India
The gharial is one of three crocodilian species found in India, the other two being the mugger crocodile and the saltwater crocodile. Some of the best places to see gharials in India are the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. At the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, you can even see mugger crocodiles and gharials sharing the same waters.
Bite force
The gharial is not the strongest among crocodilians in terms of bite force. Its long, narrow snout is specially adapted for catching and eating fish. The bite force of a gharial is estimated to be between 1,500 and 2,000 Newtons.
Quick facts about the gharial
| Typical weight | 150 and 250 kilograms (330–550 lbs) |
| Typical length | 10-18 ft |
| Order | Crocodilia |
| Family | Gavialidae |
| Genus | Gavialis |
| Species | Gavialis gangeticus |
| Countries | India and Nepal |
| Best place to see | National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary |
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