The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a unique crocodilian, recognizable by its distinctive long, slender snout. This elongated jaw, lined with numerous sharp, interlocking teeth, is specifically adapted for catching fish. Adult male gharials possess a unique bulbous growth at the tip of their snout, known as a “ghara,” which resembles an earthenware pot and gives the species its common name. This feature marks the gharial as the only crocodilian with visible sexual dimorphism. The species has faced significant population declines, leading to its classification as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2007.
The Current Gharial Population
Gharials once thrived across major river systems of the northern Indian subcontinent, including areas now part of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. However, their distribution has drastically shrunk, and today, they are found only in fragmented populations within India and Nepal. The global wild population of mature breeding adults is estimated to be fewer than 250 individuals. More recent counts, which include all age classes, indicate higher overall numbers in specific regions.
In India, the National Chambal Sanctuary hosts the largest concentration of gharials, representing a substantial portion of the global adult population, with 2,176 individuals reported in 2021. Other Indian rivers with gharial presence include the Girwa, Son, Ramganga, Gandak, Mahanadi, and within the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. Nepal’s gharial populations are primarily located in the Narayani-Rapti River system within Chitwan National Park and the Karnali-Babai River system in Bardia National Park. As of early 2024, Chitwan National Park recorded an increase to 265 gharial individuals.
Key Threats to Gharial Survival
The decline in gharial numbers stems from a combination of human-induced pressures. Habitat destruction and degradation are primary concerns, largely due to dam construction and irrigation projects. These interventions alter natural river flow, reducing water levels and fragmenting aquatic habitats. Sand mining and riverbed cultivation further exacerbate this issue by destroying sandy banks essential for gharial nesting and basking.
Another significant threat is incidental capture in fishing nets, known as bycatch. Gharials are particularly susceptible to entanglement, leading to drowning. Pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste compromises their freshwater environment. Poaching also contributes; gharials are hunted for body parts like the “ghara,” penises, and fat, and their eggs are collected for consumption. Overfishing by human communities depletes fish populations.
Conservation Efforts Underway
Conservation initiatives are underway to protect and restore gharial populations. Captive breeding programs in India and Nepal, such as “Project Crocodile,” raise gharials in controlled environments for reintroduction into natural habitats. Protected areas, including the National Chambal Sanctuary and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, provide safe havens for the species.
Legal frameworks also play a role, with gharials listed under CITES Appendix I and protected by national legislation, such as India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Nepal’s National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973. Efforts increasingly involve local communities through awareness programs. Measures to mitigate habitat degradation, like artificial sandbanks, provide suitable nesting sites. Translocation efforts are also being explored to re-establish populations in historical ranges.