Nine male Gharials found in Rapti and Narayani Rivers

A total of nine male gharials have been recorded in the Rapti and Narayani rivers flowing through Chitwan National Park (CNP), according to park authorities.

Of them, seven were found in the Rapti River and the remaining two in the Narayani River. Male gharials are considered rare.

CNP Information Officer and Conservation Officer Abinash Thapa Magar said a total of 366 crocodiles were recorded during this year’s direct census.

The count includes 231 crocodiles in the Rapti River and 135 in the Narayani River.

Last year, the total number of crocodiles in both rivers stood at 352, with 206 recorded in the Rapti River and 146 in the Narayani River.

Compared to last year, crocodile numbers increased in the Rapti River but declined in the Narayani River.

Crocodiles reared at the Crocodile Breeding Centre in Kasara are regularly released into the rivers.

Officials said the rise in the overall crocodile population may be attributed to increased public awareness, community conservation efforts, and initiatives taken by Chitwan National Park. (RSS)