Monday, July 14, 2014

Creature Feature #268: Gharial

The Gharial is a critically endangered crocodilian, characterised by his slender snout. These indicate his diet,  which consists predominantly of fish. Once widespread across the Indian subcontinent, his distribution has now shrunk to a mere 2% of its former range, due to habitat fragmentation and overhunting.  Males do not become sexually mature until they are 13 years old, and develop the lump on the snout, the ghara. This modifies and amplifies their vocalisations, allowing them to be heard nearly a kilometre away. In this manner they call the females, collecting a harem within their territory.

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