Abstract
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is an area of 175km2 on the alluvial flood plains of the Koshi River in eastern Nepal. Surveys of crocodiles in the Koshi River and its surrounding areas in the reserve were conducted in winter and spring 2008 using direct observation and questionnaires besides literature reviews. Observations were done during the day using binoculars and photo shoots and sites were visited by boat, bicycle and also on foot. Although both Gavialis gangeticus and Crocodylus palustris were previously found in the reserve, only C. palustris was found in this study. The numbers of C. palustris were higher in the winter season - early January (21) than in the spring - mid March (5). The destruction and degradation of crocodiles in the reserve has been caused by various human activities such as wood collection, cattle grazing, fishing, as well as by some natural processes. The success of conservation programs depends upon awareness creation and the development of a positive attitude in the local people towards the species. During this study, most of the respondents from the local community as well as the Reserve staff were positive towards the conservation of C. palustris. This is important as it has its own role in the ecosystem. Continuous release and trans-boundary conservation efforts should be initiated for the protection of G. gangeticus.
Highlights
Information on biodiversity such as wildlife status, population and community interaction and their contribution to ecosystem development is essential (Basnet 1998). Such information is essential for conservation management of wildlife and protected areas which are developed by regular monitoring and maintaining records by various scientific methods (Basnet 1998)
A preliminary survey was conducted in KTWR from 1 to 6 November 2007 to explore the potential sites of crocodiles
Crocodile conservation and related issues The respondents from the local community as well as the reserve staff indicated that crocodile conservation in the Reserve was needed to save the crocodile from extinction
Summary
Information on biodiversity such as wildlife status (abundance, distribution and home range), population and community interaction and their contribution to ecosystem development is essential (Basnet 1998). Such information is essential for conservation management of wildlife and protected areas which are developed by regular monitoring and maintaining records by various scientific methods (Basnet 1998). Since crocodile management commenced in Nepal, the program has maintained data on species, numbers involved and locations of release. Gharials have been successfully re-stocked into the Narayani, Babai and Karnali rivers (Andrews & McEachern 1994). Reintroduced muggers have not been monitored (Andrews & McEachern 1994)
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