Conservation and population recovery of gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) in Nepal

Published source details Acharya K.P., Khadka B.K., Jnawali S.R., Malla S., Bhattarai S., Wikramanayake E. & Kohl M. (2017) Conservation and population recovery of gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) in Nepal. Herpetologica, 73, 129-135.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Head-start wild-caught reptiles for release: Crocodilians Action Link

Head-start wild-caught reptiles for release: Crocodilians

A replicated study in 2004–2016 along four rivers in lowland Nepal (Acharya et al. 2017) found that in three of four rivers where head-started gharials Gavialis gangeticus had been released, more gharials were counted after eight years and there was evidence of breeding in the wild in all rivers. Results were not statistically tested. In three of four rivers where head-started gharials were released, more gharials were counted in 2016 (Narayani river: 84 individuals; Rapti river: 82 individuals; Babai river: 31 individuals; Karnali river: 1 individual) compared to eight years previously (in 2008, Narayani river: 34 individuals; Rapti river: 23 individuals; Babai river: 10 individuals; Karnali river: 6 individuals). Over the same time period, subadults were observed in all four rivers and hatchlings in three of four rivers (see original paper for details). In 1981–2016, eggs were collected from wild nests and gharials were hatched and head-started in captivity and released aged 4–7 years into the Narayani (~397 individuals), Rapti (~477 individuals), Karnali (~41 individuals) and Babai (~111 individuals) rivers. Gharials were surveyed by boat in November–March over several years between 2004–2016 in Narayani-Rapti rivers or 2008–2016 in Karnali-Babai rivers. Observed gharials were grouped into age classes.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)