Population, Basking and Hatching Success of Gavialis gangeticus in Narayani River, Chitwan National Park, Nepal

A critical population assessment of the endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals a severely limited breeding capacity with only one breeding male observed among 38 individuals over two years. The study, conducted from 2012 to 2013 along the Narayani River, identified two key habitats—Khoria muhan and Velaunji—as critical for gharial survival due to favorable conditions and minimal human disturbance. Gharials exhibited distinct basking preferences: those in Khoria muhan favored shallow to moderate depths with braided channels, while those in Velaunji selected deeper main-channel waters. The research underscores the urgent need for conservation measures, such as fishing bans and habitat monitoring, to ensure long-term survival of this critically endangered species.

Rajbhandari, S. L., & Acharya, P. M. (2015). Population, Basking and Hatching Success of Gavialis gangeticus in Narayani River, Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Journal of Natural History Museum, 27, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnhm.v27i0.14148