What unique adaptations do gharials possess that aid in their feeding habits?

Gharials have a long, slender snout that is specifically adapted for catching fish.

Describe the significance of the 'ghara' in male gharials during mating season.

The 'ghara' is a bulbous growth that develops in male gharials, allowing them to produce a 'buzz-snort' sound to attract mates and deter rivals.

What were the primary challenges faced by the gharial population in the 1980s, as observed by Romulus Whitaker's team?

Gharials faced major threats in the 1980s.

• Habitat loss from damming.

• Entangled in fishing nets.

• Impacts from natural disasters.

Gharial mothers exhibit certain behaviors when caring for their young. Describe these behaviors.

Gharial mothers care for hatchlings.

• They dig nests for hatchlings.

• Highly attentive to their young.

• Guard against potential predators.

Fill in the blank: The gharial's habitat has been reduced from ___ square kilometers to ___ square kilometers due to human activities.

20,000; 200

Discuss the impact of Project Crocodile on gharial conservation efforts.

Project Crocodile aids gharial conservation.

• Breeding programs initiated for gharials.

• Floods and nets caused substantial losses.

• Ongoing threats hinder conservation success.

True or False: Gharial males are known for their cooperative behavior in defending nesting sites.

False. Gharial males are territorial and often engage in aggressive fights to defend nesting sites.

How does the survival of the gharial reflect the health of river ecosystems?

Gharial survival indicates ecosystem health.

• Reflects water quality issues.

• Sensitive to pollution effects.

• Habitat loss impacts biodiversity.

What role does competition play among female gharials during the breeding season?

Female gharials fiercely compete for nest sites, laying around 50 eggs in camouflaged nests to protect them from predators.

Explain the connection between human activities and the decline of gharial populations.

Human activities harm gharials.

• Damming disrupts natural habitats.

• Fishing nets cause accidental deaths.

• Urban development pollutes waters.