Chitwan, Dec. 22 -- The annual gharial census has been completed and showed an overall rise in numbers across key river systems, but a decline in the Narayani river. The Chitwan National Park issued a press statement on Friday detailing the findings.

In a press statement issued on Friday, the park said a total of 366 gharials were counted this year in the Narayani and Rapti rivers. Last year, the combined figure stood at 352.

"We recorded 366 gharials in the two rivers this year," said Abinash Thapa Magar, information officer at the park. "Despite a drop in Narayani, the overall population has increased."

The census was conducted through direct observation in potential gharial habitats from December 7 to 15. According to Thapa Magar, t...