SUPER SNOZZLE

Mature male gharials developelop a large lump called the gharara (Hindi for ‘earthen pot’) at the endnd of their snouts. This cartilaginouss structure, covering the nostrils, makeskes the males visibly different from females. Often, it is distinctive enough to tell individual males apart. Its internal architecture includes many folds. When a male demonstrates his machismo, he squeezes air through these nasal passages, adding a buzz to his snorting. Without opening their jaws, male gharials also make a popping sound underwater, audible to their rivals within 500m. Experts speculate that the ghara may act as a resonator, advertising an animal’s identity and location.