Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus):

• Gharials, sometimes called gavials, are a type of crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. 
  • Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, etc.
• They derive their name from Ghara, a Hindi word for pot because of a bulbous knob present at the end of their snout.

Habitat:

• Gharials live in clear freshwater river systems, congregating at river bends where the water is deeper. 
• They’re not well-suited for land so they generally only leave the water to bask in the sun or to nest.
• Once found from Pakistan to Myanmar, the Gharials range has shrunk to two countries: India, along the Chambal, Girwa, and Son Rivers, and Nepal, along the Narayani River.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • CITES: Appendix I

Major Threats:

• Dam, barrages, and water abstraction adversely affect gharial by altering the quantity and quality of water available.
• Depletion of prey base due to increased intensity of fishing and use of gill nets is rapidly killing Gharials.
• Harvesting of eggs and poaching for the use of its body parts as medicines.
• The biggest threat it faces is related to human activities. Since the 1940s, the gharial's numbers have declined as much as 98%.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR):

• Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is located in the floodplain of the Brahmaputra River with Karbi Anglong hills in the South. 

• The river Diffalu, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the National Park area (core/critical tiger habitat), while another tributary Moradifalu flows along its southern boundary. 

• It was declared a National Park in 1974 and Tiger Reserve in 2007.
• Kaziranga is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to two-thirds of the world's Rhino population.