77 crocodiles in Babai River: A survey

Gulariya (Bardiya) - The number of gharial and mugger crocodile in Babai River has reached 77 (ghariyal 46 and mugger 31), according to a survey conducted by the Bardiya National Park. The survey is aimed at determining the number of crocodiles and conserving them. 

The survey was carried out within 46 kilometers along the river and a drone camera was used for the first time to find the number of the crocodiles, said chief conservation officer at the Park Ramesh Kumar Thapa. 

Wetlands and lakes are habitat for mugger crocodiles which prey on both fishes and animals. The crocodiles are found in rivers like Narayani, Rapti, Babai and Karnali. 

According to a 2016 survey that was conducted in rivers like Narayani, Rapti, Babai and Karnali, the number of mugger crocodile was 198.