The name 'gharial' is derived from the Hindustani word 'ghara' for an earthen pot, in reference to the nasal protuberance on the adult male's … See more

The evolution of the gharial and its relationship with and divergence from other crocodilians have been a subject of controversy. Some … See more

The gharial once thrived in all the major river systems of the northern Indian subcontinent, from the Indus River in Pakistan, … See more

The gharial population is estimated to have declined from 5,000–10,000 individuals in 1946 to fewer than 250 individuals in 2006, a decline of 96–98% within three … See more

Lacerta gangetica was the scientific name proposed by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789. Gmelin followed Carl Linnaeus who proposed Lacerta in 1758 to include other crocodiles and various lizards known at the time.
The gharial was … See more

The gharial is olive-coloured, with adults being darker than young, which have dark brown cross bands and speckles. Its back turns almost black at … See more

The gharial is the most thoroughly aquatic crocodilian. It leaves the water only for basking on riverbanks. Being cold-blooded, it seeks to … See more