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Gharial

Gharial crocodile is a species of crocodile belonging to the family Gavialidae, found in the northern region of the Indian Subcontinent. The species is one of the largest of all extant crocodilians. It is the most aquatic of all living crocodilians and unlike other crocodilians, do not have the semi-upright stance of walking on land – it can only move in a forward sliding motion on land.

Scientific Classification
Quick Information

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Crocodilia
Family	Gavialidae
Genus	Gavialis
Scientific Name	Gavialis gangeticus

Other Names	Gavial, Fish-eating crocodile
Size	3.5 to 4.5 m; largest recorded specimen measures 6.25 m
Weight	Average weight of males is around 160 kg; largest recorded specimen weigh 977 kg
Color	Above is dark or light olive with dark patches and cross-bands on the head, body and tail; gray-black upper surface with yellowish -white lower surface
Distribution	India, Nepal
Habitat	Rivers, tributaries
Diet	Fish, small crustaceans
Hibernation Fact	Hibernate during winter at the bottom of the waterbodies
Breeding Season	December – January
Mode of Reproduction	Oviparous (egg laying)
Clutch Size	20 to 95 eggs
Incubation Period	71 – 93 days
Reproductive Age	Around 10 years of age
Average Lifespan	40 – 60 years
IUCN Conservation Status	Critically Endangered