The Himalayan Gharial Project is a conservation and research initiative dedicated to understanding and restoring the Critically Endangered gharial in Nepal. The gharial is a relative of crocodiles and alligators and is found only in South Asia. Its long, slender snout is perfectly adapted for catching fish, and despite their impressive size, gharial pose no threat to people. Their name comes from the word “ghara”, meaning “clay pot,” referring to the growth on the end of the snout of adult males. Gharials are exceptional parents, with adults guarding large groups of hatchlings from communal nest sites, a unique form of group care seen in no other croc.

Nepal’s remaining wild gharial are found in rivers that meander through the lowest foothills and valleys of the Himalaya—primarily the Narayani, Karnali, and Babai river systems. The largest population survives in the Narayani and its tributaries, especially the Rapti River within Chitwan National Park and its buffer zone. These rivers support some of the last gharial living in the Himalayan foothills—giving our project its name.

We launched the project in 2017 with our first phase, “Building an Evidence Base for Gharial Conservation in Nepal,” in collaboration with the DNPWC, Chitwan National Park, the Gharial Conservation and Breeding Centre (GCBC), NTNC, and ZSL. Together, we built the first comprehensive understanding of why the species remains Critically Endangered in Nepal. Our team used a range of research techniques, including telemetry (tracking) of both wild gharial and gharial released from captivity, video-based monitoring of nesting sites, on-the-ground ecological observation, and understanding from ecological knowledge of river users and communities. Through this work, we identified the Rapti River as Nepal’s most critical gharial habitat, supporting consistent annual nesting and successful hatching.

Our next phase focuses on direct conservation action to support the long-term recovery of wild gharial populations. At the heart of our mission is strengthening national capacity for gharial conservation and research in Nepal—ensuring that management can adapt, innovate, and respond effectively, backed by strong scientific evidence. This phase will involve different partnerships and supporters, which we will be excited to share more news about in 2026.

Follow our progress and field updates on Instagram: @himalayan.gharial