Visiting Karnali and NGO

Going to see the Karnali

The Karnali river system is most likely the only river system left in Nepal where Ganges river dolphins still are found. In the past this species was found in at least three other rivers in this country, but no more.

Karnali river and Karnali bridge, Nepal (JLewis, TDRF)

So far we have traveled along and across the Geruwa, which is a part of the Karnali system. Today we traveled to see some of the waters of the Karnali proper, upstream, near the Karnali suspension bridge. This area was important to film and to take a look at. It is here that a major river diversion is being built to move water for irrigation. Projects like this change the flow of the river, further changing the habitat available, not only for the dolphins, but for all species.

Gopal Khanal, preparing for interview in front of water diversion project under construction, along the Karnali river, Nepal (JLewis, TDRF)

Visit with other research/conservation groups

On our way back to the lodge we stopped at the National Trust for Nature Conservation. This is a non profit that works to help preserve many species in Bardiya National Park (including Asian elephants, rhinos and tigers). They supported both Gopal and Shambu at different points while they were trying to collect data on the river dolphin in this region. The facilities they have are beautiful. And perfect for field scientists and students (housing, labs, vehicles for access to the field).

Grounds of National Trust for Nature Conservation, Nepal (Jlewis, TDRF) 

Making and maintaining contact with other local conservation managers is an important part of species conservation. This can be helpful just because of shared advice. Other times it could be shared resources. For example, one group of researchers might be doing river surveys of fish. A dolphin researcher could ask to come along and collect data on dolphins also. This way research teams can pool resources. It is also helpful to work as a team when considering any species, because to conserve any single species, requires conservation of the whole ecosystem (the habitat and animals/plants where it is found). So to conserve the dolphin, the fish, the river health itself and many other factors, must be considered.