Conservation Success: Gharials Number Soars in Nepal’s Chitwan

Rojina Rai/Rajendra Acharya

The latest population of endangered Gharial crocodiles in Nepal’s Heart of the Jungle Chitwan National Park display increasing numbers by 366 numbers.

A rise in the number of rare Gharial crocodiles in the National Park’s Rapti and Narayani rivers highlights the significant strides in long-term conservation efforts.

The population of the rare and endangered Gharial crocodile is on the rise in Nepal’s first national park, Chitwan National Park, particularly in the Rapti and Narayani rivers.

According to a monitoring and census conducted on 7th December 2025 by the Chitwan National Park Office, a total of 366 Gharials were evidently seen in these two major rivers.
The park’s Information Officer reported that 231 Gharials were spotted in the Rapti River and 135 in the Narayani River.

This marks an increase of 14 individuals compared to last year’s total of 352.

The census also revealed a rise in the number of male Gharials, with 9 males recorded in total 7 in the Rapti and two in the Narayani highlighting a positive trend in population.

Interestingly, during the census, a dolphin was also seen at the confluence of the two rivers, taken as an encouraging indicator of overall biodiversity.

Chitwan National Park, a premier wildlife observation site, is also renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers, One-Horned Rhinos, and a diverse array of bird species.

The park offers jungle safaris, birdwatching, and observation towers, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike, with its rich Terai ecosystem as a backdrop.

The increase in the Gharial population is attributed to ongoing conservation efforts, representing a significant achievement for Chitwan National Park.

Since 1978 BS, the park has operated a dedicated Gharial Breeding Center in Kasara, Chitwan.
The center collects eggs, raises hatchlings, and releases them into rivers across the country, including the Rapti and Narayani, contributing directly to the species’ recovery and long-term conservation.

Meanwhile, the steady rise in the Gharial population underscores the success of dedicated conservation efforts offering survival for endangered species.

Continued protection, monitoring, and community initiatives will be crucial to ensuring that the Rapti and Narayani rivers remain thriving habitats, preserving Nepal’s rich biodiversity.