| Home | Amphibians | Birds | Fish | Mammals | Reptiles |
|
|
|
GAVIAL, common name for two carnivorous reptiles in the crocodile order noted for the extremely long and narrow snouts that set them apart from other crocodilians. At the end of the snout is a fleshy lump in which the nostrils are set. Gavials are found in India and Malaya. They are generally a light olive to tan color with dark blotches on the body and tail. The Indian gavial has been known to reach a length of 9 m (30 ft). The Malayan gavial is about half the size of the Indian gavial. Gavials eat fish and are considered too timid to be dangerous to humans. |