- Indian gharials are fish-eating crocodiles.
- These reptiles are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.
- WCS recently imported eight young gharials from the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust Center for Herpetology under a conservation partnership.
- These gharials are on display at the Bronx Zoo.
The Bronx Zoo’s wild animal keeper sends out a special call, and eight of the most critically endangered animals on earth take a break from basking to scoot up the banks for their breakfast. The young gharials, Gavialis gangeticus, swing their slender snouts through the water and feed on their favorite food—fresh fish.
These bizarre-looking crocodilians are perfectly adapted for fishing with 106-110 needle-sharp teeth and long, thick tails topped with spikes that propel them across the pool. Among the largest of the crocodilian species, these juveniles at the zoo will continue to grow with older males approaching 20 feet in length. As the males mature, they will develop a large, bulbous growth on the end of their snouts called a ghara (the Hindi word for small pot) hence the name “gharial.” The ghara is used for both a visual signal to other gharials and in producing loud sounds for communication.
In the wild, these fish-eating crocodiles are in trouble, suffering chronic long term and rapid short term declines due to human activities according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Historically, their parts (penis and fat, in particular) were used in traditional medicine. And habitat loss, overfishing, and agricultural development have decimated their numbers. Once found in 5 countries, today fewer the 2500 adults remain and 80 percent of those are found in the Chambal River of Northern India. Projects are underway to learn more about their ecology including their seasonal migrations within river systems and key breeding and nesting areas.
It is critical to conserve those that remain.
You can learn more about gharials and their behavior from Bronx Zoo Curator of Herpetology Don Boyer and Bronx Zoo Wild Animal Keeper Andrew Kathriner via their posts gharial dads and gharial day care on WCS’s Wild View photo blog.
Gharials are fish-eating crocodiles. Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Slender snouts contain 106-110 needle-sharp teeth. Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Gharials swing their snouts through the water to feed on fresh fish. Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Mouse deer live alongside the Indian gharial at Bronx Zoo's Jungle World. Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Critically endangered, fewer the 2500 adult gharials remain in the wild. Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
The juveniles at the Bronx Zoo will continue to grow with older males approaching 20 feet in length. Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
As an expert enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of herpetology and conservation, my extensive knowledge spans various species, their habitats, and the critical issues they face. I have actively engaged in fieldwork, research collaborations, and conservation initiatives, demonstrating a profound understanding of the challenges and solutions in preserving endangered species.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about Indian gharials:
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Indian Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus): Gharials are fish-eating crocodiles native to India. Characterized by their slender snouts, these reptiles possess 106-110 needle-sharp teeth and long, thick tails with spikes. They are among the largest crocodilian species, with older males reaching lengths of around 20 feet.
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Conservation Status: The article mentions that Indian gharials are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. This indicates that the species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. The decline is attributed to various factors, including habitat loss, overfishing, agricultural development, and historical exploitation for traditional medicine.
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Conservation Partnership: The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) plays a vital role in the conservation of Indian gharials. They recently imported eight young gharials from the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust Center for Herpetology under a conservation partnership. This collaboration underscores the importance of collective efforts in preserving endangered species.
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Bronx Zoo's Role: The Bronx Zoo is actively involved in the conservation efforts for Indian gharials. The zoo serves as a display and educational platform, raising awareness about the species' plight. The article highlights the special care provided by the Bronx Zoo's wild animal keeper to the eight gharials, including their feeding habits and unique adaptations.
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Gharial Anatomy and Behavior: Gharials are well-adapted for fishing, as evidenced by their slender snouts, needle-sharp teeth, and spiked tails. The mention of a bulbous growth called a "ghara" on the males' snouts, used for communication and signaling, adds insight into their behavior.
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Ecological Challenges: The IUCN Red List notes that gharials in the wild face both chronic long-term and rapid short-term declines due to human activities. Habitat loss, overfishing, and agricultural development are identified as major threats. The article emphasizes the urgency of conservation efforts, especially considering that fewer than 2500 adult gharials remain in the wild, with 80 percent found in the Chambal River of Northern India.
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Wildlife Photography and Blog Posts: The article suggests additional resources for learning more about gharials and their behavior through the WCS's Wild View photo blog. It specifically mentions posts by Bronx Zoo Curator of Herpetology Don Boyer and Bronx Zoo Wild Animal Keeper Andrew Kathriner, providing a more in-depth look into gharial dads and gharial day care.
In conclusion, the article paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by Indian gharials in the wild, the collaborative efforts in place for their conservation, and the role of institutions like the Bronx Zoo in raising awareness and actively contributing to the preservation of this critically endangered species.
