Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus, Gmelin, 1789) abundance in the Rapti River, Chitwan National Park, Nepal

A population of approximately 150 gharials (Gavialis gangeticus), a Critically Endangered crocodilian, was estimated in the Rapti River within Chitwan National Park (CNP), Nepal, marking one of the largest concentrations of this species in the country. The study employed an N-mixture model to analyze gharial counts across 18 river segments and found that human presence negatively impacted abundance, while deeper river sections positively influenced it. Detection probability was linked to the number of sandbanks. The research highlights the Rapti River's ecological significance for gharials and recommends designating a 'no extraction zone' to mitigate threats like fishing and material extraction. With an overall occupancy rate of 84%, this study underscores the vulnerability of gharial populations in central Nepal, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.

Yadav, R. K., Lamichhane, S., Thanet, D. R., Rayamajhi, T., Bhattarai, S., Bashyal, A., & Lamichhane, B. R. (2022). Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus, Gmelin, 1789) abundance in the Rapti River, Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Ecology and Evolution, 12(10). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9425