Gharial census begins in Rapti River

By Our Correspondent,Khajura, Jan. 23: Gharial count has started in the Rapti River in Banke district. The initiative aims to assess the status of gharials previously released into the river.

According to Mandip Pangeni, Information and Conservation Officer at Banke National Park, the census involves surveying, monitoring and counting gharials that have been released into the Rapti River over the years.

“We have released gharials into the Rapti River multiple times in the past. Starting Saturday, we began a census to understand their current status,” Pangeni said. 

“On the first day, we spotted two gharials and one mugger crocodile. We are surveying potential habitats in the river to gather detailed information about their conditions,” he said.

The census team includes park officials and community citizen scientists. “Local communities also have a responsibility to protect the gharials. We provide training and engage them in various programmes to generate awareness about gharial conservation,” Pangeni added.

The census began at the Shiva Khola, located on the border between Banke and Dang districts, and continues along the Rapti River. “We will assess the conditions of gharials and other crocodiles in areas like Kusum and Ageya,” Pangeni explained.

“It is not enough to release gharials into the river every year, we need to monitor their survival, food availability and overall conditions. This can only be achieved through regular surveys, inspections and census, which we have been conducting annually in the Rapti River,” he added.

The park has been releasing gharials into the Rapti River for several years. Last year alone, 14 gharials were translocated from Chitwan and released into the river. The park regularly conducts surveys and inspections to monitor their status.