Endangered gharial crocodile spotted in Rapti River

By Gokarna Paudel,Tulsipur, Feb. 3: A rare gharial crocodile has been spotted in the Rapti River, which flows through the Deukhuri region.

The critically endangered gharial, recognised as a key species in the wetland ecosystem, was spotted during a bird census in the wetland area near Lamahi Municipality-4, Dang.

According to wildlife conservationist Chiranjivi Khanal, gharials, which are in a critically endangered state, are found only in large, clean and swift-flowing rivers.

He further noted that gharials are 20 times rarer than tigers and are classified as critically endangered species.

These crocodiles bask on high sandbanks along the riverbanks during winter and lay, incubate and hatch their eggs during the breeding season.

Conservationist Khanal stated that last year, an injured gharial was found in the Rapti River, whereas this year, a gharial has been discovered in a healthy condition.

He mentioned that research is ongoing to determine how the crocodile arrived in the area.

During previous bird censuses, only mugger crocodiles were recorded in the Rapti River. In Nepal, gharials are primarily found in Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks.