CHITWAN: Nepal has released more than 2,300 critically endangered gharial crocodiles into rivers over the past four decades in a long-running effort to revive wild populations.

Data from the Gharial Breeding Center at Chitwan National Park shows that 2,315 gharials have been released since 1981 into eight major river systems, with the Rapti and Narayani rivers receiving the largest share.

This year alone saw a record 225 gharials released, the highest annual figure to date, all bred from eggs collected in previous years.

Despite continuous conservation efforts, officials say wild numbers remain low, with a recent survey in the Rapti and Narayani rivers recording only 366 gharials.

Conservation authorities continue breeding and release programs in an effort to stabilize the species in its natural habitat.