False Gharial [Tomistoma]

Description

Tomistoma is a genus that contains the false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii), also known as the Malayan gharial. Despite its common name, genetic studies suggest that it is more closely related to true crocodiles than to the gharial. This species is found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and swamps in Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and possibly Java. It has a relatively long, narrow snout similar to that of the true gharial, though not as extreme, and preys on a variety of fish and small vertebrates. The false gharial is considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction and reduction in prey species.

Species

Taxonomy