Population status, distribution and threats of the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in Narayani River of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as the gavial or fish-eating crocodile, is a member of the family Gavialidae, is the most threatened of the two species of crocodilians found in Nepal. However, sufficient information on its habitat characteristics influencing population status, distribution, and threats to its existence are lacking. We studied the gharial population in the Narayani River that was carried out in the winter season during December ۲۰۱۹ to April of ۲۰۲۰. During our surveys, a total of ۱۱۷ gharials were recorded, including an adult male, ۵۶ adult females, ۱۹ sub-adults, ۳۲ immature and nine were unidentified. The gharial census recorded ۵۷ gharials in Sikrauli-Amaltari (Chitwan branch) river section followed by ۱۴ in Sikrauli-Amaltari (Nawalparasi branch), ۱۶ in Amaltari-Baguwan and ۳۰ in the Baguwan-Tribeni River sections. Of ۱۱۷ individuals, the number of gharials sighted under the direct observation category was ۱۱۲. The majority of respondents (۱۲۹ of ۱۴۰) during our questionnaire, considered gharial as an important species and displayed a favorable attitude towards gharial conservation. This study concludes that the population of gharial in the Narayani River has increased, as the present population is larger than recorded during previous surveys. Finally, regular surveys and monitoring of gharial in the area are recommended to investigate the status of gharial, the prevalence of any threats and disturbance along the habitat of this important species.

کلیدواژه ها:

Climate change ، conservation ، disturbance ، habitats ، threats