Adult breeding male basking in sand bank of Narayani River.

The study will be carried out in Narayani river of the Chitwan National park (CNP) (270 34' to 270 68' N and 830 87' to 840 74' E) in Nepal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is one of the renowned protected areas in South Asia harbouring many globally threatened and endangered species such as one-horned rhinoceros, bengal tiger, gangetic dolphin, gharial and mugger crocodiles with its pristine ecosystem.

The existing policies are not research based which have hindered the conservation of gharials. Baseline information on population and habitat as well as perceptions of fishermen is essential in designing appropriate conservation measures. This study is targeted to maintain minimum viable population of gharials by minimizing human interferences in the river basins. It will enhance the capacity of fishermen who are involved in gharial conservation activities. It also helps in heightening the awareness on the importance and values of this species. The net effect of this research will create a tremendous effect on understanding the importance and values of this indicator species in the river basins and could contribute to incorporate the issues of gharial conservation in designing conservation projects, setting conservation priorities and strengthening existing gharial conservation action plan.