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Sunda gharial
We have one female Sunda gharial here at Paignton Zoo, you can find Lima in Crocodile Swamp.
Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Crocodylia
Family:
Gavialidae
About the Sunda gharial
The Sunda gharial is a rare freshwater crocodilian found in the tropical wetlands of Southeast Asia. It inhabits slow-moving rivers, peat swamp forests, freshwater swamps, and lakes, where it spends much of its time hidden among dense vegetation. Its long, slender snout is perfectly adapted for catching fish, although it also feeds on birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.
Despite their fearsome appearance, Sunda gharials are generally shy and elusive animals. They are strong swimmers and rely on healthy wetland ecosystems to survive. Like all crocodilians, they are ectothermic, basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature before returning to the water to hunt or rest.
Conservation
Sunda gharial populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss, wetland drainage, illegal hunting, accidental capture in fishing gear, and disturbance of nesting sites. Peat swamp forests in Indonesia and Malaysia have been particularly affected by agriculture and land conversion.
International conservation organisations are working to protect and restore wetland habitats, monitor wild populations, and improve our understanding of this elusive species. Modern zoological collections also play an important role in raising awareness of the threats facing freshwater crocodilians.