Chitwan National Park (CNP) is the first-ever national park set up in Nepal. It was founded in 1973 as the Royal Chitwan National Park and became a World Heritage Site in 1984. This park encompasses a massive area of 952.63 km2 (367.81 sq mi) and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. While it has been a conservation success story, threats such as illegal fishing and sand mining are causing major threats to the mugger crocodile of the Rapti River that flows along the park. A new study has recommended a win-win conservation set up between the local community and muggers to ensure the long-term conservation of the vulnerable species.
A Conservation Success Story
Chitwan National Park is a conservation success story that has witnessed a remarkable recovery of species such as the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger. It is also home to numerous other species of flora and fauna, including elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. The park’s success is attributed to its innovative conservation approach that combines habitat conservation, community engagement, and ecotourism.
Illegal Fishing and Sand Mining Threaten Muggers
The Rapti River that flows along the Chitwan National Park (CNP) is home to the vulnerable mugger crocodile, which is one of the three crocodile species found in Nepal. The mugger crocodile is threatened by illegal activities such as fishing and sand mining, which can have a significant impact on their survival. Fishing using nets or electric shocks not only kills the mugger crocodiles but also destroys their habitat. Similarly, sand mining alters the river’s natural habitat and can affect the nesting and basking behavior of the mugger crocodiles.
Conservation Recommendations
A new study published in the journal Oryx has recommended a win-win conservation set up between the local community and the mugger crocodiles. The study found that the mugger crocodiles prefer the quieter areas of the river, where illegal activities are less likely to occur. The study recommended setting up a conservation zone along the quieter areas of the river to protect the mugger crocodiles from illegal activities.
The study also recommended community-based conservation programs that can create awareness among the local people about the importance of conservation and the need to protect the mugger crocodiles. The study suggested that ecotourism can be an effective tool for conservation, as it can generate income for the local community and create incentives for conservation.
The Way Forward
Chitwan National Park is a success story in conservation, but illegal activities such as fishing and sand mining threaten the survival of the mugger crocodile. The new study’s recommendations can provide a win-win solution that can protect the vulnerable species while also providing economic benefits to the local community.
