hunted frequently for its skin and meat, and the eggs are often harvested for human consumption. Conservation The false gharial is listed on CITES Appendix I. Currently population surveys indicate that while the false gharial is not for the most extirpated from areas it used to inhabit, the distribution of individuals is much more spotty than the previously more connective distribution, putting the animals at risk of genetic isolation. In large part, the isolation of false gharials is due to extremely extensive habitat destruction and disturbance within the species' area of distribution, few areas outside of legally protected areas are likely to bear viable breeding populations. Steps have been taken by the Malaysian and Indonesian governments to prevent its extinction in the wild. There are reports of some populations rebounding in Indonesia, yet with this slight recovery, mostly irrational fears of attacks have surfaced amongst the local human population. Yayasan Ulin (The Ironwood Foundation) is currently attempting to manage a wetland area in East Kalimantan, which is known to contain the false gharials. References External links Crocodile Specialist Group: Tomistoma Task Force Saint Louis Zoo: False gharial ARKive Images BBC News: 'Match-making' for rare male croc The Orangutan Foundation research centre being used for critical research on false gharials Gavialidae Reptiles of Malaysia Reptiles of Indonesia Reptiles of Borneo Reptiles described in 1838 Apex predators Crocodilians of Asia