NEPALJUNG: The census of endangered gharial crocodiles has begun in Rapti river in Banke. Information Officer of Banke National Park, Mandip Pangeni, said that the counting began from Kusum area of the district.

Some officials and two community scientists have been mobilized for the monitoring, Information Officer Pangeni said.

Kusum, Ageya and Shivakhola area of Rapti river are considered to be the habitat of Gharial crocodiles.

A total of 14 Gharial crocodiles were released in Rapti river last year after bringing from Chitwan.