Common name : Gavial, Fish-eating crocodile
Scientific name : Gavialis gangeticus
Family : Gavialidae
Native to : India
Interesting fact : Humans are their only predators who hunt them for leather and meat.
Conservation status : Critically Endangered
A narrow, long and bulbous snout identifies the Indian ghariyal that is closely related to the salt water crocodile. Jaws are lined with sharp teeth to catch their favourite food, fish. The snout (Ghara–Indian meaning ‘pot’) acts as a resonator and signals to females. They live in water as their short legs serve them poorly on land.
