Understanding the perception of buffer zone communities to gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a Critically Endangered species found in Nepal and India. In Nepal, gharials are distributed in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. Gharials are highly threatened due to various and severe anthropogenic activities. In this study, we assess the attitude, perception and willingness of a range of stakeholders living around Chitwan National Park to participate in gharial conservation. We conducted semi-structured questionnaire surveys with open ended questions. We interviewed national park officials (n = 8), local community group members (n = 54), hoteliers (n = 12), conservation partners (n = 5), local elected representatives (n = 38), fishing community members (n = 14), fishing net sellers (n = 15) and students (n = 9). Our study revealed that respondents are familiar with existing conservation awareness activities and expressed their willingness to participate in gharial conservation activities which can be capitalized on for future conservation initiatives for gharials. Further, we suggest to concentrate efforts particularly on local representatives, fishing net sellers and river dependent communities. These efforts include community level gharial knowledge sharing and interaction program, school teaching program, participating community in gharial conservation and its habitat management intervention and livelihood programs.