Acknowledgment

Along the route to research the gharial breeding center of Kasara, we were assisted by
many people without whose help this would not have been a success. I would like to
thank the biology department of our school for giving us an opportunity to learn and
explore the flora and fauna of Chitwan.
I am very grateful to Dr. Jagan Nath Adhikari, Dr. Kiran Karna, Dr. Anju Sharma Poudel,
Mrs. Poonam G.C. for arranging this educational trip. Also, I would like to express
sincere appreciation to Principal Khil Bahadur Thapa and Vice-Principal Manj for
granting permission to take forward this project. I am also equally thankful to class
teachers who joined and supported the completion. Finally, I am indebted to all
respondents who participated to provide their valuable time and genuine information.

Bibhuti Neupane

Table of content
Introduction
Objective
Study Area
Methodology
Findings
Conclusion and recommendation
References
Introduction

The Government of Nepal established the Gharial Breeding Center in 1978 in Kasara of
Chitwan National Park to protect the natural egg laying sites of gharials to hatch eggs in
artificial conditions; and rear the young until they are released into the rivers in order to
reestablish a viable population in the wild. The Gharial Breeding Center was created by
the national park authorities in 1978. Initially supported by the Frankfurt Zoological
Society, the objective of this center is to breed this rare and endangered fish-eating
crocodile and restock it in the wild. The key method used is to collect Gharial eggs in
the wild and hatch them in captivity. Their hatching and survival rate in the wild is less
than two percent. Thus, captive breeding is more effective as it protects the eggs from
predators such as mongooses

NTNC's Biodiversity Conservation Center supports the government in the management

of the breeding center which includes taking care of hatchlings, monitoring growth of
hatchlings, releasing them in the rivers and post-release monitoring. The center has a
made a significant contribution for the revival of gharials in the rivers of Nepal. From
1981 to 2017, 1,246 gharials have been released in Rapti, Narayani, Kaligandanki,
Koshi, Karnali and Babai rivers.

OBJECTIVE:
 to learn the process of breeding and hatching of gharial
 to learn about the life cycle of gharial
 to study the significance of gharial in aquatic eco system
Area of research
The gharial breeding center is located within Chitwan national park, Kasara. The area is
rich in flora and fauna. Various types of plants, trees and animals are found here. Such
as Sal forests cover 70 percent of the park. More than 50 species of some of the world's
tallest grasses like the elephant grass called Saccharum ravennae, giant cane (Arundo
donax), khagra reed (Phragmites karka)

Methodology
Our study on gharial breeding center Kasara was completed using both primary and
secondary sources of information:

 Primary data
We gathered information by interviewing people working in the center. We did a seminar and
questioner to the staff who had been working in the gharial conservation and breeding center for
years. Similarly, we collected data from observing the actual process of breeding. We took photos
and videos containing information.

 Secondary data
we got more in-depth information from articles online. And by browsing the net and surveying about
the history and accomplishment of the preceding breeding center.
Findings
 Life cycle of gharial
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered species of crocodile that is
native to the rivers of northern India and Nepal. The life cycle of a gharial involves
several stages:

Egg Stage: The female gharial lays eggs in a nest on the sandy riverbanks during the
winter months. A typical clutch contains around 30-60 eggs, and the female guards the
nest until the eggs hatch, which takes about 70-90 days.
Hatchling Stage: After hatching, the baby gharials are about 30-45 cm long and have a
distinctive narrow snout. The female may assist in the hatching by carefully digging up
the eggs and carrying the hatchlings in her mouth to the water. The hatchlings are
vulnerable to predators such as birds and fish and must hide in the shallow water to
avoid being eaten.
Juvenile Stage: As the young gharials grow, they move to deeper water and begin to
feed on fish, crustaceans, and insects. The gharial has a unique diet that includes
mainly fish, but it may also eat small mammals and reptiles.
Adult Stage: Once the gharial reaches adulthood, it may grow up to 6 meters in length
and weigh up to 500 kg. The males develop a bulbous growth on the tip of their snout,
which is used for vocalizations and as a display during the breeding season.
Breeding Stage: During the breeding season, which occurs between December and
January, the male gharials establish territories and defend them from other males. They
also engage in a distinctive courtship display in which they inflate their vocal sacs and
emit a loud, deep buzzing noise. The females are attracted to the males with the loudest
calls, and after mating, the females lay their eggs in a nest on the sandy riverbank.

The gharial is a long-lived species and can live up to 60-70 years in the wild. However,
due to habitat loss, hunting, and accidental deaths from fishing nets, the population of
gharials has declined dramatically in recent years. Conservation efforts are ongoing to
protect and restore the species.
Significance of gharial in ecosystem

The gharial is a critically endangered species of crocodile that plays an important role in
the ecosystems of the rivers it inhabits. Here are some of the key ecological roles that
the gharial plays:

Control of Fish Populations: The gharial is a specialized predator that primarily feeds
on fish. By feeding on large numbers of fish, the gharial helps to control fish populations
and maintain a healthy balance of species in the river ecosystem.

Scavenging: Gharials also play a role in the scavenging of dead animals. As

opportunistic feeders, they may consume dead animals that they come across, which
helps to prevent the accumulation of rotting carcasses in the river and the spread of
disease.

Indicator Species: The gharial is considered an indicator species, which means that its
presence or absence can be used as an indicator of the overall health of the river
ecosystem. Since gharials require clean and healthy river habitats to thrive, their
presence can be an indication of good water quality and a healthy ecosystem.

Nutrient Cycling: Gharials play a role in nutrient cycling by consuming prey and
excreting waste. This process helps to return nutrients to the ecosystem and support
the growth of other plants and animals.
 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

We learned a lot from the educational trip to the gharial breeding center of Kasara. We
got to explore and learn about an endangered species of the ecosystem. We
understood how it holds significance in the ecosystem and the aquatic system as well.
And to see such endangered being conserved gave us inspiration to do so in the future
to save nature and its natural principles. Similarly, some recommendations I would like
to give are:
 Regular population monitoring of Gharials can provide useful information on their
distribution and abundance, which is essential for their conservation and
management.
 Illegal fishing practices, including the use of fishing nets and dynamite, are a
significant threat to Gharials. Therefore, measures to reduce illegal fishing must
be taken.
 Raising public awareness about the importance of Gharials and their
conservation can help in reducing human-wildlife conflicts and illegal activities
that threaten their survival.
Fauna in the gharial conservation area, Kasara

Chitwan National Park, infamous for its large quantities of Shorea robusta (Sal), the
national park is home to over 56 species of herpeto fauna. The park offers a wide range
of varieties for people who are involved in specialized Botany. Some plant species
found around in the park includes:
 Sal (Shorea robusta)
 Khair (Acacia catechu)
 Sissoo (Dalbergia sisoo)
 Simal (Bombax ceiba)
 Amala (Phyllanthus amblica)
 Rudilo
 Simal (Bombax ceiba)
 Orchid
 Bhorla
References & Bibliography:
www.tigerencounter.com
www.chatgpt.com
www.wikipedia.com
A Textbook of Biology by Arvind K. Keshari