Tomistoma

‘Tomistoma,’ the scientific name of false gharial, literally means ‘sharp mouth’

Fran Izquierdo

Also known as Malayan gharials, these crocodiles are well suited to an aquatic lifestyle. Their powerful tail aids swimming, and their sleek body slices through the water. The creatures can see and hear what is going on even when wholly submerged since their eyes and nose are on top of their heads.

Fewer than 20 false gharial nests have been recorded in the wild and very little information regarding their habits and reproduction. They are threatened with extinction throughout their range due to habitat loss. Also, they are hunted by humans for skin and meat, and their eggs are collected for consumption.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Brunei
2011
Indonesia
2011
Kalimantan, Sumatera, Jawa
Malaysia
2011
Possibly Extinct: Sabah
Malaysia
2011
Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia
Thailand
0
Official estimate
EX
2011
Extinct locally
Vietnam
2011
Presence Uncertain

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No