Context:
Recent studies revealed population of Gangetic river dolphin in the mainstream Ganga are known to be stable, although there has been decline in tributaries.
About Gangetic river dolphin:
- India’s national aquatic animal.
- Habitat –
- Ganges – Brahmaputra – Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems [Nepal, India, and Bangladesh]
- Nearly 80% found in the Indian subcontinent.
- Common Names – Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, Gangetic dolphin, Hihu, Bhagirath etc.
- Features –
- It is blind and finds its way and prey in river waters through echolocation.
- It can only live in freshwater.
- Requiring air every 30-120 seconds due to its inability to breathe underwater, the creature is colloquially known as ‘Susu’ for the distinct sound it emits during respiration.
- Frequently found alone or in small groups
- Conservation status –
- Schedule I animal under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- IUCN status – Endangered
- Significance – Indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem.
- Threats: Direct killing, habitat fragmentation by dams and barrages and indiscriminate fishing, use of chemicals & fertilizers in fields.
- Conservation Efforts –
- Project Dolphin
- Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar)
- National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrates 5th October as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.
Project Dolphin (on lines of Project Tiger) is a special conservation program which is one of the activities planned under Arth Ganga, implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Questions
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
- Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
- Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
- Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
- Use of synthetic fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive Ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial
