Gavialidae
reptile family
Quick Summary
The family Gavialidae includes two living species of long-snouted crocodilians: the gavial (Gavialis gangeticus) and the false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii). Gavials are found in South Asia, while false gharials inhabit Southeast Asia.12
Key Characteristics:
- Snout: Both species are distinguished by their exceptionally long, narrow snouts, which are adapted for catching fish. The gavial's snout has around 110 interlocking teeth, while the false gharial's snout has fewer, between 76 and 84.12
- Size: Adult gavials can reach lengths of 4 to 6.5 meters (13.1 to 21.3 feet), while false gharials can grow up to 5.5 meters (18 feet).12
- Conservation Status: Both species are endangered. The gavial is critically endangered, with fewer than 1,000 adults remaining in the wild. The false gharial is also endangered, with fewer than 2,400 adults in the wild. Major threats include habitat loss due to human activities like logging, agriculture, dam construction, and entanglement in fishing gear.12
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