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4. The Gharial: A Critically Endangered Crocodilian with a Unique Snout
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Fascinating and unique member of the crocodilian family, the gharial—scientifically known as Gavialis gangeticus—is Mostly India and Nepal, native to the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, this ancient species is distinguished from other crocodile species by its exceptionally long and thin snout. Particularly considering its highly endangered state and the continuous efforts to preserve this living fossil for next generations, herpetologists and environmentalists both find considerable interest in the gharial because of its unusual physical traits and specialised adaptations.
Unquestionably, the gharial's extended, narrow snout—which may reach up to 75% of its head length—defines it. Usually 110 in total, this specialised rostrum is lined with several sharp, interlocking teeth that are exactly suited for grabbing and hanging onto slippery fish, which makes up most of the gharial's diet. Believed to be derived from the Hindi word "ghara," meaning "pot," the name "gharial" refers to the bulbous development on the end of mature male snouts. Though its precise purpose is yet unknown, this protuberance—known as a ghara—is supposed to be used in vocalisation and visual presentations during the mating season.
Though one of the biggest crocodile species, with males able to reach lengths of up to 6 meters (20 feet), the gharial is essentially a fish-eater and offers minimal threat to people or big mammals. Unlike its more strong cousins, its specialised snout and jaws are unsuited for handling bigger prey. Although this nutritional specialisation has let the gharial occupy a special ecological niche in its riverine habitat, it has also left the species very sensitive to changes in fish numbers and water quality.
Spending the great bulk of its existence in water, the gharial's physique is well-adapted to an aquatic life. Its webbed hind feet help in steering and manoeuvring; its strong tail drives it through the water with tremendous efficiency. Unlike other crocodile species, the gharial's legs are somewhat weak, which limits its mobility on land even if it is rather strong underwater. The gharial emphasises its great reliance on watery surroundings since it turns to sliding on its belly when pushed to live on dry ground.
Historically, the range of the gharial included the Indus, Ganges, Mahanadi, Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries over the main river systems of the northern Indian subcontinent. Over the past century, the species has, however, suffered a terrible drop in both population and distribution. With only an estimated 200 gharials left in the wild, a startling 96% decrease in its historical range, the situation of the gharial had gotten severe by the 1970s.
There are several reasons for the sharp fall in the gharial, all of which result from human actions. As river systems have been changed for irrigation, hydroelectric projects, and sand mining, habitat loss and degradation have been especially important. These developments have not only directly changed the habitat of the gharial but also changed fish numbers, therefore limiting the availability of its main food supply. Further contributing to the species' decrease are inadvertent fatalities in fishing nets, traditional medicine hunts, and egg gathering for eating.
Understanding the perilous state of the gharial, conservation projects started in the 1970s. Among these projects have been efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict, captive breeding and reintroduction operations, and protected area creation. Although these steps have shown some success—the world population is gradually rising—the gharial is still quite threatened. Based on current estimates, the Chambal River sanctuary in India hosts most of the 650 adult gharials that are thought to exist in the wild.
The gharial's specialised habitat needs and the complicated socioeconomic issues influencing river ecosystems in its distribution create specific difficulties for conservation of this species. Effective conservation plans have to solve not just the direct dangers to the species but also more general problems with river management and regional sustainable development. The gharial's long-term existence as well as the quality of the river ecosystems it calls home depend on this all-encompassing strategy.
