False gharial  (Tomistoma schlegelii)

Biology

Very little is known about the ecology of this species. Females appear to construct mound-nests of dry leaves and peat onto which an average of 20 to 30 large eggs are laid (2). Unusually amongst crocodilians, there is no direct evidence that hatchlings receive any parental care and consequently mortality is thought to be high (2).

The slender snout is well adapted for catching fish but the false gharial exhibits a more generalised diet; also eating insects, crustaceans and small mammals (2).

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