Gharial Conservation in Narayani River of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

This book is the result of the study carried out in Narayani River of Chitwan National Park from 2012 to 2013 to investigate the habitats and abundances of the gharials. Altogether a total number of 38 gharials including 3 hatchlings, 8 juveniles, 12 sub-adults and 15 adults were recorded. Only one breeding male was observed and reflects the critical condition for the breeding of gharials in the wild within Chitwan Nationl Park. The abundance of the gharials were restricted in 2 areas, namely Khoria Muhan and Velaunji due to suitability of the habitat conditions and low human disturbances. The Basking activities in relation to depth showed that > 80 % of the gharials selected sandy banks. Among the 2 populations, the gharials in Khoria Muhan preferred shallow to moderate depth of water because of presence of braided channels in the area. In the downstream watercourse of Velaunji, the gharials select deep water course of the main channel. This book reflects the overall status of gharial conservation in Narayani River and contains the information on various aspects such as the habitat requirements, population status, nesting ecology, threats and conservation management.