Critically Endangered Gharials[Gavialis gangeticus], are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snout. They prefer to live in clear freshwater river systems, congregating at river bends where the water is deeper.
Today their population barely stands at around 1000 individuals in the wild.
The many waterways of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were once home to thousands of Gharials. They now only exist in a handful of them today. Canoe safaris on tranquil rivers of protected areas are the only way to see the Gharial on safari in India or Nepal.
About the Gharial :
Historically, the Gharial’s distribution ran across Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal and India. Now, only scattered populations remain in Nepal and Northern India. They are one of the largest crocodilian species, males reach 16 to 20 feet and females reach 11.5 to 15 feet in length. Gharials exhibit difference in characteristics between males and females, in both size and appearance.
Longer than the Marsh Crocodiles, these beautiful reptiles are so unique and fascinating to observe. Canoe down the Chambal River in North India to spot the rare Gharial in the wild.
Adaptations of the Gharial :
Adult males develop a bulbous growth at the tip of their snout, which is called a "ghara" after the Indian pot it resembles. The ghara has several functions. It partially covers the crocodile’s nostrils and acts as a vocal resonator, creating a loud, buzzing sound when the gharial vocalizes. It is also a visual signal for females, helping males attract a mate.
Because of their weak leg muscles, gharials are poorly equipped for locomotion on land. Most of their movement takes place in the water. When they do move across land, gharials push their bodies forward across the ground, a motion known as belly-sliding. Gharials are polygamous with an individual male defending a territory in which he and multiple females live.
An absolutely gorgeous and fascinating species : The Gharial. A reminder of our prehistoric past, and of our negligence in protecting such an important piece of our natural history.
The Best Places to see the Gharial in the Wild :
National Chambal Sanctuary, India : Also known as the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is approximately 5400 sq.km, a protected area in northern India, for the Critically Endangered Gharial, the Red-crowned Roof Turtle and the endangered Ganges River Dolphin. The Chambal Sanctuary is situated only 70 kilometers away from Agra - the home of the Taj Mahal. One can also drive from New Delhi which is around 250 kilometers away.
Chitwan National Park, Nepal : This glorious Natural History treasure is probably the best place to see the Gharial in the Wild. The inner terai landscape of Chitwan is bio-diverse and the Gharial calls it its home. The confluence of the warm waters of the Rapti river and the cold waters of the Narayani River provides plenty of fish for this pescatarian crocodile. Sandy banks are ideal nesting grounds for these prehistoric creatures. A huge conservation success story, this Land of the Rhino, Tiger, and Gharial - Chitwan, should be on the list of any wildlife enthusiast. A canoe safari at Meghauli, Chitwan, yields the best chances of spotting Gharials on safari at Chitwan.
Check out our Chitwan National Park Travel Guide here.
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