Counting, monitoring of gharial crocs initiated in Rapti and Narayani Rivers
Summary
Counting and monitoring of gharial crocodiles have started in the Rapti and Narayani rivers to assess their population and conservation status.
Key Points
- Counting and monitoring of gharial crocodiles began in the Rapti and Narayani rivers from December 3 to 14.
- 2,105 baby gharial crocodiles have been released into various rivers since 1995 from the Chitwan National Park breeding centre.
- Last year's census recorded 352 gharials, with 206 in Rapti River and 146 in Narayani River.
- Gharial crocodiles are critically endangered due to habitat depletion caused by human activities, pollution, and fishing.
