Status of Arna, Gaur and Gharial in Nepal

Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) recently conducted census of some major wildlife species of Nepal - Arna(Bubalus arnee) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Parsa Wildlife Reserve (PWR), and Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in major rivers. Arna count was conducted from 2-4 May, 2009 with support from Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands in Nepal (CSUWN) Project. Gaur census was conducted from 23-27 May, 2008 in coordination with WWF Nepal–Terai Arc Landscape Program, Nepal Army and Buffer Zone Management Committee. Gharial census was conducted January-February 2008 by DNPWC and WWF Nepal.

Methodology

Arna: Arna population was obtained from direct count. The probable Arna habitat in KTWR was divided into several blocks on the basis of logistical and the ecological specification of Arna. The census area was divided into four blocks (South to Pathri post, North to Pathri post, South to Hawa mahal, North to Hawa mahal). Arna sighting form, GPS receiver, pair of binoculars, digital camera and communication sets were used in the census. One day training programme was conducted on-site prior to the counts. In order to smoothly conduct the census operations, four teams were formed. Altogether, 5 elephants and 40 people including technical, security and logistic personnel were involved in the census. 

Gaur: The probable Gaur area of the PWR was divided into 4 blocks with effective sample area about 170 square kilometer. The area covered during census includes Chiple Khola / Vedaha Khola in the east, through Mahadev Khola, Jamuniya Khola and Bhata Khola to Rambhori Khola/ Ghodemasan Khola in the west. The area north of Adhabhar-Charbhaiya fireline upto foothills of Churiya was covered during the census. The count was direct count. Sex, age, location, group size, habitat, time were recorded. Nine elephants, twelve recorders and 30 logistic personnel participated in the count. Global Positioning System (GPS), digital camera, binocular, maps, communication sets were used for the census purpose. Altogether 247.5 elephants working hours were spent for the actual count.  One day orientation workshop was organized at Adhabhar for observers prior to actual execution of the census.

Gharial: Empirical data were collected from direct count using opportunistic search method and questionnaire survey from Koshi River of eastern Nepal, Narayani and Rapti of central Nepal and Karnali and Babai rivers of western Nepal. 

Results

Arna: A total of 219 Arna was recorded in KTWR which is a 38% increase from previous Arna count of 2004, when a total of 159 individuals were recorded.

Gaur: The census recorded 37 gaurs - 8 males, 11 females and 18 of unknown sex. Of them, 28 were direct sightings and 9 were indirect counts. According to age category, 17 were adults, 2 sub-adults, calf 9 and unknown 9.  

Gharial: The census estimated a total of 81 gharial in Nepal. Out of total gharial recorded during the census, 70 were directly recorded and 11 were based on indirect counts. Only 27 of the total population is adult breeding population. Age and sex of 11% individuals could not be detected. The sex ratio of chitwan population was 1 male to 6 female. 

(Source: DNPWC)