The Gavial (Gavialis gangeticus) is also known as the fish-eating crocodile.
Origin
It belongs to the family Gavialidae, and is native to the northern part of the Indian continent.
The population of the Gavial is quite small. There are still several hundred specimens and they are declining due to shrinking and habitat deterioration.
Food
As its name suggests, it feeds mostly on pest, but also on amphibians or crustaceans.
Their jaws are too thin and delicate they cannot pounce on large prey or humans.
One of the preferred feeding methods is ambush.
Reproduction
Males reach maturity around the age of 13. They gather and make a harem of several females that they protect.
During the dry season the females prepare their nest at 1-5 meters from the water. The Nest has a depth of 50-60cm in which 20-90 eggs are laid.
Gavial eggsare the largest crocodile eggs. They weigh 160 grams.
After 70-90 days of incubation the chicks emerge. Their sex is given by temperature.
The Cubs will have their mother's protection for a while.
