What was Whitaker's observation of the gharials in the chambal river
Answers
Answer:
Whitaker's observation on ghariyal is given below
Explanation:
The males are distinguished by the large, bulbous "ghara" on the tip, hence the common name "gharial" (Whitaker 1982). This adaptation is due to the fact that its main diet is the fish that inhabit these rivers, such as tilapia, and that the gharial tends to dwell in fast flowing river systems, although it is often found in outcrops of these rivers where the water flow is slower (Whitaker 1982). It is well adapated for this aquatic environment since the long, narrow snout allows for less water resistance when catching fish. Therefore, the gharial is the most aquatic member of the crocodilians, and also the only member whose diet is mainly characterized by fish (Whitaker 1982).
The only natural populations of gharial are found in India, specifically in the river systems of the Indus (Pakistan), the Ganges (India and Bangladesh), the Brahmaputra (Bhutan), and Mahanandi (Orissa) (Whitaker 1982). The population was nearly decimated in the 1970s, but local organizations were then formed, and are still heavily in existence, in order to breed these animals in captivity and release them back into the wild (Whitaker 1982). Due to the specificity of its habitat and the rather small population, the gharial remains a mystery in terms of its behaviors, and even most basic life characteristics. Captive populations in the United States are minimal, with single specimens at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (female), San Diego Zoo, National Zoo, and the largest population at St. Augustine Alligator Farm in Florida. There are many complications in forming a breeding population within the United States, including the difficulty of transporting adults within the country and the necessity of shipping only juveniles from overseas due to the fragility of their snouts. Therefore, there is not currently a breeding couple in the country.
Gharial life spans are thought to be similar to other crocodilians of large size and late maturity and tend to be upwards of 100 years (Whitaker 1982). Their reproductive status is also like other crocodilians, in that size, not age, determines when they become reproductively active. This generally happens upon reaching over 3 m in length for females and 4 m for males, although there have been exceptions to the rule in smaller individuals in India (Whitaker 1982). The average adult size ranges from 3.5 m to 4.5 m (Brazaitis 2001), but males are known to reach 6-7 m (Whitaker 1982). They are believed to be the most timid and least aggressive and territorial of the known crocodilians, however it is to be emphasized again that very few have been studied.
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