{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "gharial",
  "name": "Gharial",
  "scientificName": "Gavialis gangeticus",
  "category": "Reptile",
  "summary": "The gharial is a critically endangered crocodilian of the northern Indian subcontinent, instantly recognized by its extremely long, thin snout lined with sharp teeth. This shape is perfect for catching fish, its main food, with quick sideways sweeps of the jaws. Large males develop a bulbous growth on the snout and can reach 6 m (20 ft), and gharials may live 50 to 60 years.",
  "conservationStatus": "Critically Endangered",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Reptilia",
    "order": "Crocodilia",
    "family": "Gavialidae",
    "genus": "Gavialis"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 250,
    "lengthM": 5,
    "topSpeedKmh": 25,
    "lifespanYears": 55
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Gavialis gangeticus"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore (mainly fish)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Deep, fast-flowing rivers"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "50–60 years"
    },
    {
      "label": "Length",
      "value": "Up to 6 m (20 ft)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "Up to 250 kg (550 lb)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Critically Endangered (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Deep, fast-flowing rivers of the northern Indian subcontinent, mainly in India and Nepal.",
    "continents": [
      "Asia"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "IUCN Red List — Gavialis gangeticus.",
      "url": "https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Gavialis%20gangeticus&searchType=species"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Animal Diversity Web — Gavialis gangeticus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.",
      "url": "https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gavialis_gangeticus/"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Wikipedia — Gharial.",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gharial"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/gharial/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/gharial/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}