Zoology: Bones

The gavial, also called the Indian gharial, is one of the largest (up to 23 feet) and most unusual of all the crocodilians. Characterized by its long, slender snout, it is equipped with 106 to 110 sharp spike-like teeth, well suited for their preferred diet of fish. The narrow jaws are designed to snap swiftly through the water with little resistance as they hunt their prey. Gharials are named for the large bulbous protuberance that develops on the end of a mature male's nose. This secondary sexual modification resembles a small Indian pot known as a 'ghara.' It is thought that this appendage serves as a resonator and/or visual signal of the male's virility for the females. It produces a "buzzing" noise when the males vocalize during the breeding season. Unable to walk with ease across land, gavials possess a broad, flat tail and strongly webbed rear feet, which provide them with strong swimming abilities.
2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw).
29 ¼" L x 9 ½" W x 5 ¼" H / 74.5L x 24W X 13H (cm)

Conservation Status: Endangered