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
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

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

1 facilities · 0 individuals

横浜市立野毛山動物園 (Yokohama Shiritsu Nogeyama Doubutsuen)KanagawaOpened in 1951

1998年からインドのボンベイ動物園出身の個体を飼育・展示している Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNでCR（近絶滅種）。河川環境の悪化が大きな問題です。

Habitat

インド亜大陸の大きな河川。

Threats

  • 河川改修
  • 漁網への混獲
  • 砂州の減少

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

  • 繁殖と再導入
  • 河川の保護
  • 漁業との調整

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

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