Status and Conservation of Crocodiles in The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, East Nepal

Abstract

I studied “Status and Conservation of Crocodiles in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, East Nepal” in two seasons- winter and spring 2008 using direct observation and questionnaire besides literature reviews. The research was carried out in the Koshi river and its branches and the marshes lies between the eastern branch of the river and the eastern embankment from Prakashpur to Shripur to estimate the population and distribution of crocodiles. Observations was done during the day time by binoculars and photo shot and sites were visited by boat, bicycle and also on foot.

Though both gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and mugger (Crocodylus palustris) were previously found in the reserve, only mugger crocodile was found in this study. The numbers of mugger were higher in the winter season (21) than the spring (5). Number of adult and sub adult muggers in winter and spring were significantly different ( 2 =2.751; df=1; p=0.09). Muggers were mainly observed during the basking, gaping, running, seeking and submerged positions in the reserve and these activities were significantly different ( 2 =26; df=4; p<0.001). Similarly, a chi-square goodness of fit test indicated crocodiles were not randomly distributed between the habitat types ( 2 =8.928; df=3; p<0.05). The destruction and degradation of crocodile in the reserve was caused by many human activities, as well as by some natural processes.

Success of conservation programs depends upon the extent of support and positive attitude of local people. During this study, most of the respondents from the local community as well as reserve staffs were sensitive that the conservation of mugger is necessary in the reserve. Developing and implementing ecotourism in the reserve can attract visitors and generate income for sustainable conservation of crocodile in the reserve and also create employment opportunities among the local community. Continuous release and trans-boundary conservation effort should be initiated for the protection of gharial. Besides this, crocodile survey on remaining wetlands around the reserve is recommended to have actual estimation of population of mugger and the presence of gharial.