232 crocodile eggs collected for breeding centre in Chitwan

CHITWAN: A total of 232 crocodile eggs have been collected from seven nests out of the 18 identified along the banks of the Rapti River in Chitwan. The eggs have been gathered for the Crocodile Breeding Centre at Kasara within the Chitwan National Park (CNP) area.

According to CNP Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar, the collection of eggs began on March 15. The eggs are vulnerable to damage from snakes, birds, other animals, and river flooding. Additionally, it is naturally challenging for crocodile eggs to find suitable temperature for incubation. Because of these reasons, there is the low breeding rate of this reptile in the nature.

Last year, 247 eggs were collected from eight nests out of 16 identified along the same riverbank. The CNP employs six staff members specifically for collecting crocodile eggs. Following the breeding at the Centre, the animals will be released back into the river after they grow up.