Bardiya, Aug. 22 -- Across two breeding ponds deep inside Bardiya National Park, dozens of tiny gharial hatchlings splash in the water, snap at small fish and bask on sandy banks in the afternoon sun.

For researchers, park wardens and visitors, watching the young reptiles grow offers a rare glimpse of a species fighting for survival.

At six weeks old, 96 critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) hatchlings are currently being reared at the park's specialised gharial breeding centre. The figure is the highest recorded at the facility in nearly a decade, offering fresh hope to wildlife authorities working to save the river-dependent species from extinction.

According to park records, three resident female gharials successfully ...