Gandak Emerges as India’s Second-Largest Gharial Habitat

The Gandak river, flowing along the India–Nepal border through West Champaran district of Bihar, has emerged as the second most important riverine habitat for gharials in the subcontinent, after the Chambal. Sustained conservation efforts over the past decade have led to a sharp recovery in the population of this critically endangered, fish-eating crocodile, positioning the Gandak as a major success story in wildlife restoration.

Sharp Rise in Gharial Numbers

According to forest officials, the number of adult gharials in the Gandak has risen dramatically from just 54 in 2015 to over 400 in 2025. Including juveniles and hatchlings, the total population has crossed 1,000. This makes the Gandak the second-largest gharial habitat after the Chambal river, which supports more than 2,400 gharials. The recovery is attributed to joint initiatives by the Wildlife Trust of India and the Bihar forest and environment climate department.

Favourable Habitat and Management Support

West Champaran Conservator of Forests and Field Director “Neshamani K” said the Gandak’s flow through the Valmiki Tiger Reserve provides ideal conditions for aquatic life. Improved protection, habitat management, and focused conservation strategies have resulted in an annual growth rate of 20–22 percent. Data shows an overall increase of nearly 588 percent in adult gharials between 2015 and 2025.

Release Programmes and Historical Role

Between 2015 and 2025, around 944 gharials were released into the Gandak along a 326-kilometre stretch from Valmikinagar to Sonepur, including 212 in 2025 alone. Co-project investigator “Samir Kumar Sinha” noted that the river has a long history in gharial conservation. Eggs collected from the Gandak were used in 1975 to launch India’s first captive breeding and release programme at Tikarpada in Odisha.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Gharial is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• The Gandak river is now the second-largest gharial habitat after the Chambal.
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve lies in West Champaran district of Bihar.
• India’s first gharial captive breeding programme began in 1975.

Community-Based Conservation and Global Significance

The Gandak is recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as one of the world’s six major gharial habitats. Nest protection involves local communities, volunteers, and trained biologists who monitor breeding sites, relocate vulnerable nests, and ensure safe hatching. Experts emphasise that the Gandak’s success demonstrates how strategic, inclusive, and site-specific conservation measures can revive even critically endangered species, offering a scalable model for riverine wildlife protection across South Asia.