False Gharial

Tomistoma schlegelii

Conservation Status

Endangered

Reptilia · Crocodylidae

About

The false gharial, also known by the names Malayan gharial, Sunda gharial and tomistoma, is a freshwater crocodilian of the family Gavialidae native to Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra and Java. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as the global population is estimated at around 2,500 to 10,000 mature individuals.

Fun Fact

Females are up to 4 m (13 ft) long.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Occurred in freshwater ecosystems along the entire length of Sumatra east of the Barisan Mountains.

Diet

Diet of only fish and very small vertebrates, but more recent evidence indicates that it has a generalist diet despite its narrow snout.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

Habitat Loss
Poaching and Hunting
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Disease

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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