Rare Gavial Sighting in Thailand!

A rare Gavial sighting has been reported in Thailand, according to officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation.

The Gavial, a critically endangered crocodilian species, is native to parts of Southeast Asia and India. It is thought that only around 250-300 of these animals remain in the wild today.

The exact location of the sighting has not been released to the public, in order to protect the animals from potential hunters. However, it is understood that the Gavials were spotted in a remote area near the Thai-Burmese border.

This latest sighting is just the latest in a series of unusual reptile sightings in Thailand over recent months. In March, a 6-meter-long python was captured near Bangkok, while in May a King Cobra was spotted slithering through a local village.

Gavial Attacks Fisherman on the Brahmaputra

The Gavial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered crocodilian that is found in the northern part of India and Bangladesh. It is the second largest crocodilian in the world, after the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). These animals are typically shy and avoid humans, but there have been a number of attacks on fisherman on the Brahmaputra River in recent years.

The first reported attack by a Gavial on a human occurred in 2002, when a fisherman was killed on the Brahmaputra River in Assam State. Since then, there have been a number of other attacks, with two fishermen being killed and another injured in separate incidents in 2016. The reason for the sudden increase in attacks is not known, but it may be due to changes in the environment or increasing human-Gavial interactions as a result of growing populations along the river.

Gavials are opportunistic predators that feed mainly on fish, but they will also eat small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They typically hunt by ambush, lying still in wait until an unsuspecting fish comes near. They can also swim quickly to catch prey. Gavials are not considered to be dangerous to humans and typically avoid contact, but they may attack if they feel threatened or if someone gets too close.

The current population of Gavials is estimated at fewer than 2,500 animals and they are listed as critically endangered by IUCN. The main threats to their survival are hunting for their skins and meat, loss of habitat due to development, and accidental capture in fishing nets.

New Study Shows Gavials are on the Verge of Extinction

The latest study on gavials conducted by a team of experts shows that the species is on the verge of extinction. The findings of the study have alarmed the experts, who are now warning that concerted efforts are needed to save the animals.

The gavial is a critically endangered crocodilian found in freshwater habitats in parts of Southeast Asia and South Asia. The animal has a long, slender snout and is often mistaken for a alligator.

The new study was conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland, Zoological Society of London, and Wildlife Conservation Society. It was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

The team used population surveys and data on habitat loss to estimate that there are only around 1,500 gavials remaining in the wild. This represents a decline of more than 95% since the 1950s.

The main threats to gavials include hunting for their skins and meat, as well as loss of habitat due to development and other human activities.

The research team called for urgent conservation measures to protect gavials from extinction. These include measures to protect key habitats, as well as bans on hunting and trade in gavial skins and meat.

India's Largest Gavial Population Found in National Park

In a major discovery, scientists have found India's largest population of gavials in the national park.

The team of experts from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEERF) were studying the population of muggers, an another type of crocodile found in the area, when they made the unexpected discovery of 84 gavials.

Gavials are listed as an endangered species and their numbers have dwindled over the years due to loss of habitat, hunting and accidental drowning in fishing nets.

The new population has been found in the 1,000 square kilometer Kharwara-Ghughnda Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Gir National Park. The sanctuary is located in Gujarat state on the west coast of India.

It's exciting that we've been able to locate such a large population of gavials inside Kharwara-Ghughnda Wildlife Sanctuary," said Kamlesh Thakkar, coordinator for WTI's crocodile program. "Now that we know where they are, we can start working on creating better protection for these animals."

Anand Yadvendradev, Additional Director (Wildlife) with the Gujarat Forest Department said that it was a positive development that more gavials had been discovered as their numbers were dwindling elsewhere in the country.

"The forest department is committed to protecting these reptiles," he said. "We will soon be formulating a conservation plan for them."

Glimpse into the Lives of India's Giant Gavials

The mugger crocodile is reputed to be the second largest extant crocodilian after the saltwater crocodile. It is also, pound for pound, one of the most ferocious animals in the world. - Wikipedia

Gavials are a critically endangered species of crocodile found in India and Nepal. They can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) in length and weigh up to 500 kg (1100 pounds). Gavials are distinguishable from other crocodiles by their long, slender snouts and narrow jaws.

Gavials have been around for millions of years and were once found all over the world. Today, they are limited to a few fragmented populations in India and Nepal. Their primary threats are hunting and habitat loss.

Gavials spend most of their time in the water, where they hunt fish, turtles, and other small creatures. They can also kill larger prey by seizing it with their powerful jaws. They sometimes come onto land to bask in the sun or lay eggs.

Gavials are highly social animals and often congregate in large groups near waterways. They are known to perform an elaborate courtship dance that involves balancing on their tails and running around each other.

Gavials are an important part of the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in controlling populations of aquatic prey. They are also revered by local people who often worship them as religious symbols.