Source::Image: Nepal News, The Arc Of Space
The release of Gharial crocodiles into the Rapti River as part of Bharatpur Visit Year 2024 is a critical conservation effort. Gharials, native to Nepal and other South Asian countries, face severe threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. With only around 198 individuals left in Nepal and their global population estimated between 300-900, they are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.
These crocodiles have distinct physical features, with males developing a unique nasal protuberance resembling an earthen pot. They primarily feed on fish and are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.
The release of 20 Gharial crocodiles near Kasara, Chitwan National Park, aims to bolster their population and ensure their survival. Such initiatives are crucial for the conservation of endangered species like the Gharial.
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