Bio-diversity

The project is proposed for conservation of crocodile and Turtle in the Narayani rivers flowing throgh the bufferzone of Chitwan National Park. The species mainly Magar crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Ghariyal (Gavialis gangeticus) and the black indian turtle are found in the fresh water bodies of the Narayani river. Ghariyal was once cosidered to be one of the most cirticlally threthen ed in 1970s, whereas these crocodiles are still considered as endangerd in CITES Appendix I. The indigenous and underprevileged communites (such as Majhi, Bote, Tharu and Mushaher) resideing along the bank of Narayani river are traditional fishermen. Crocodile`s egg and meats are among their food source whereas turtle meat is used to cure Rheumatoid arthrithis and Asthma. Over harnessing of teh species the major cause of their decline. Hence the main objectives of the project is to devleop proposal with the active participation of local indigenous communities for the conservation of these endangered speceis.

Nepal