Context:
Conservation planning for Gangetic dolphin in smaller rivers of the Ganga
Gangetic 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 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 – A special conservation program which is one of the activities planned under Arth Ganga, implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar)
- National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrates 5th October as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.
Related Article: Global Declaration for River Dolphins
Source: Wildlife Institute of India
Previous Year Question
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. 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
Answer: (c)
