---
title: "Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): Status & Facts"
description: "The gharial is a critically endangered Indian crocodilian protected under Wildlife Act Schedule I and CITES Appendix I. Key UPSC GS3 conservation facts."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/gharial"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered fish-eating crocodilian native to the river systems of the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its elongated, narrow snout.
- What is the difference between a gharial and a mugger crocodile?
- What legal protections cover the gharial in India and internationally?
- Why is the gharial considered an indicator species?
- What is the 'rear and release' conservation strategy for gharials?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered fish-eating crocodilian native to the river systems of the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its elongated, narrow snout.

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In 2024, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department released several captive-reared gharial juveniles into the National Chambal Sanctuary, which holds the world's largest surviving wild population of the species.

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