What is the 'ghara' on a male gharial's snout?

It is a hollow, bulbous growth at the tip of the snout that develops in mature males, thought to amplify vocalizations during courtship.

Why is the gharial critically endangered?

Habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, and heavy metal pollution have reduced its range to about 2% of its historical extent, leaving an estimated maximum of 900 individuals in the wild.

Gharialガビアル

Gavialis gangeticusCR— Critically Endangered

The gharial is a critically endangered crocodilian distinguished by its extremely long, narrow snout, adapted for catching fish among more than 100 sharp, interlocking teeth. Once common across the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent, its range has contracted to about 2% of its historical extent, with an estimated maximum of 900 individuals surviving in fragmented populations in India and Nepal. Mature males grow a distinctive bulbous nasal protrusion called a "ghara," used in courtship displays.

Gharial (reference photo) — Photo: Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Crocodilia / Gavialidae Source
Size: Females 2.6–4.5 m in total length, males 3–6 m
Weight: Large males average about 160 kg, with a maximum of over 600 kg and a record of 977 kg
Diet: Piscivore Piscivorous, catching fish with its long, slender snout and numerous sharp interlocking teeth; juveniles also eat insects, tadpoles, and frogs
Distribution: Once widespread across major river systems of the Indian subcontinent including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra, its range has shrunk to about 2% of its historical extent, with fragmented populations surviving in parts of India and Nepal—an estimated maximum of 900 individuals as of 2019. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

Mature males develop a bulbous nasal growth at the tip of the snout called a "ghara" (after the earthen pot it resembles), thought to help resonate mating calls. Source
It is considered the most thoroughly aquatic of all living crocodilians, with slender legs poorly suited to walking on land. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1

Yokohama Shiritsu Nogeyama DoubutsuenKanagawaOpened in 1951

Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered (CR)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

What is the 'ghara' on a male gharial's snout?: It is a hollow, bulbous growth at the tip of the snout that develops in mature males, thought to amplify vocalizations during courtship. Source
Why is the gharial critically endangered?: Habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, and heavy metal pollution have reduced its range to about 2% of its historical extent, leaving an estimated maximum of 900 individuals in the wild. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org