SummaryIndia'sChambalRiver hosts the largest population of the critically endangered gharial. Boat‐based daylight surveys to date only provide indices of relative abundance, without measures of survey bias or error. No attempt to quantify detection probabilities in these surveys has yet been made, and thus, absolute density estimates of this population remain unknown.We surveyed 75 km of theRiverChambal and photographed individual gharials for capture–recapture analysis. The total sampling effort yielded 400 captures. Population closure was supported (z = −1·48,P = 0·069), and closed‐population models were used to estimate abundances.Models were selected using theAkaikeInformationCriterion (AIC) index of model fit. The best model estimated 231 ± 32 adult, 83 ± 23 subadult and 89 ± 19 juvenile gharials (Mean ± SE), respectively, while the model‐averaged estimate was 220 ± 28 adult, 76 ± 16 subadults and 93 ± 16 juvenile gharials, respectively.The best model estimated absolute densities of 3·08 ± 0·43, 1·11 ± 0·3 and 1·19 ± 0·25 adult, subadult and juvenile gharials km−1, respectively, while the model‐averaged estimate was 2·93 ± 0·37, 1·01 ± 0·21 and 1·24 ± 0·21 adult, subadult and juvenile gharials km−1, respectively, compared with relative densities of 0·94, 0·45 and 0·30 adult, subadult and juvenile gharials km−1, respectively, from boat‐based daylight surveys. On the basis of our best model, we suggest a detection probability based correction factor of 3·27, 2·47 and 3·97 to boat‐based daylight survey estimates of adult, subadult and juvenile gharials, respectively.Synthesis and applications. Used within the framework of capture–recapture analysis, photoidentification provides a reliable and noninvasive method of estimating population size and structure in crocodilians. We also opine that without determining the current status of gharials, highly intensive strategies, such as the egg‐collection and rear‐and‐release programmes being implemented currently, initiated on the basis of underestimates of population sizes, are unwarranted and divert valuable conservation resources away from field‐based protection measures, which are essential in the face of threats like hydrologic diversions, sand mining, fishing and bankside cultivation.

Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are one of the few dangerous predators regularly found outside protected wildlife areas. This is particularly so in northeastern Namibia where an extensive network of rivers and wetlands coupled with successful conservation measures has allowed crocodile populations to flourish since uncontrolled exploitation ended over three decades ago. This area is predominantly communal land characterized by numerous subsistence communities dependent on river and wetland resources. In recent years, the combination of a growing human population and resurgent crocodile populations has resulted in considerable conflict between humans and crocodiles. The principle objective of this study was to quantify the impact of crocodiles on rural livelihoods. Data were obtained from existing records and through community surveys on the lower Kavango, Chobe and Kwando rivers and upper Zambezi River. Existing estimates suggest an annual loss of similar to 255 domestic cattle per year for northeastern Namibia whilst community survey estimates suggest a substantially greater annual loss of similar to 6864 cattle per year. Community surveys also revealed conflict between crocodiles and artisinal fishermen, with an estimated 71 500 fishing nets damaged by crocodiles per year. Human-crocodile conflict in Namibia may have greater impacts than previously assumed, and may undermine conservation and development objectives.