NAWALPUR: A gharial crocodile was rescued from the Narayani River after its mouth became entangled in fishing net. The critically endangered animal was freed following four days of continuous efforts with the support of the local Bote community (boatpeople).

The gharial was found in the Amaltari area of Kawasoti in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat–Susta East). According to Chitwan National Park Officer and Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar, park staff and locals worked tirelessly for four days to remove the net from the animal’s mouth.

Local resident Gopal Bote led the rescue operation. The animal, identified as an adult male, has now been safely released back into the river. With this rescue, the number of gharials rescued from the river this year has reached four.

According to Magar, a gharial census conducted last month recorded a total of nine male gharials—two in the Narayani River and seven in the Rapti River. Male gharials’ population are relatively very low and are considered crucial for maintaining the species’ population.

Similarly, the Narayani River is home to 135 gharials, while the Rapti River hosts 231.

Gharials are bred at the Crocodile Breeding Centre in Kasara and are released into rivers after they reach adulthood.