The Royal Bengal Tiger population of Chitwan is on the rise. Latest estimates put the population at around 105. The tigers are free to roam and are not tagged. A recent annex of the Parsa Wildlife Reserve extended their habitat in 1984.

Up until very recently, Chitwan served as a private game preserve. The royal families of the time would form hunting parties together with world dignitaries. Now, the park serves as a premium example of a successful conservation effort throughout all of Asia.

Two varieties of rare crocodile make their home in Chitwan. The Marsh Mugger (left) is a flesh eater that grows up to 12ft (4m). The Gharial (meaning bulb) is a giant that can grow up to 18ft (6m). They are expert fishers and have a long slender snout with fine teeth that ends in a bulb shape.

Snakes in Chitwan include kraits, cobra, python, vipers, coral and water snake. Many turtles, frogs and lizards also make their home in the warmer Terai region of Nepal.

Nepal's location and Asia's ecological diversity means 1 out of every 10 bird species on the planet make their way through the country between spring and autumn. That's over 800 species. Chitwan is the Bird Paradise in Nepal with over 500 species in a single valley.

Birds to be seen include birds of pray (vultures, eagles, kites, owls), king fisher, giant hornbill, stork, heron, ducks, cranes, flycatcher, mynah, dove, crow, drongo, parrots, egrets and songbirds.

There are more than 50 species of mammals in Chitwan. The park is specially renowned for the protection of the one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, and gharial crocodile. Other endangered species include the gaur (wild bison), wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard, and python.

Some animals found in the park are sloth bear, languor and rhesus monkeys, wild dog, golden jackal, wild boar, mongoose, marten, ratel, 5 striped and flying fox squirrels, and palm civet.

Butterflies come in more than 600 species in Nepal. The monsoon season is the best time to view them in greatest number and variety. In March through November, after any rain, butterflies will be out in force around the river banks and hilltops.

Also, prevalent at night, is the firefly. This glow worm is in the family of nocturnal beetles and is wonderful to watch around the lodge or tented camp within the National Park's boundary.

The Asiatic Elephant is usually tamed and provides great transportation in the safari. Chitwan's wildlife, especially the rhino's, thrive in the high grass around the river. An elephant-back safari gets you above the grass and makes viewing animals a rewarding experience. Gaida Lodge & Jungle Campmaintains its own group of elephants. You can ride, photograph, feed, bath, explore their home or even take part in an elephant training program. These wonderful animals have their own personalities and are maintained by a staff of at least 3 people per elephant.

Tigers are not Nepal's only well-known felines. Another endangered species is the leopard or panther. These cats can be even more elusive than the tiger but hang out in the same general area. They inhabit the dryer lowlands and hills and can be found in the woods or along the tree line adjacent to the river.

Other cats around Chitwan include the fishing cat, leopard and and clouded leopard. The fabled snow leopard of Nepal is only found in the higher Himalayas.