Extinct Animal : Gavial

This is one of the rarest crocodile species in Asia. It has become very depleted throughout its range, which includes all major rivers and waterways of northern India and Burma. Although officially protected, it has declined rapidly due to a trade in skins and incidental killing by fishermen. Increased river traffic and agriculture have also had an adverse effect.

Their future depends on strict law enforcement and observance of existing controls that restrict trade in skins. Another possibility is the establishment of captive breeding stock under nearly natural conditions. There are few specimens in captivity, and most of the conditions have not been favourable for breeding.