Why in the News?
India’s first-ever comprehensive river dolphin survey conducted under Project Dolphin (2020) has estimated a population of 6,327 dolphins, primarily across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus River basins.
River Dolphins in India:
| Species | Habitat | Conservation Status | Key Features & Threats |
| Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
|
Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna & Karnaphuli river systems (India, Bangladesh, Nepal) | IUCN: Endangered WPA, 1972: Schedule I |
Known as “Susu”, India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009. Faces threats from pollution, habitat fragmentation, and accidental bycatch.
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar) – Only dolphin sanctuary in India. |
| Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)
|
Indus River (Pakistan) & Beas River (India) | IUCN: Endangered WPA, 1972: Schedule I |
One of the rarest dolphins, facing population decline due to water diversion, dam construction, and habitat degradation.
Beas Conservation Reserve (Punjab) – Focused on Indus River Dolphin protection. |
| Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
|
Chilika Lake (India) & rivers of South & Southeast Asia | IUCN: Endangered WPA, 1972: Schedule I |
Known for “spy-hopping” behavior (rising vertically to observe surroundings). Threatened by fishing nets and habitat destruction. |
Key Highlights of the Survey
- The survey estimated the Ganges River dolphin population at 6,324, with Uttar Pradesh (2,397) and Bihar (2,220) recording the highest numbers, while the Brahmaputra basin had 635 dolphins, indicating a stable population.
- The Indus River dolphin population was found to be critically low, with only 3 individuals recorded in the Beas River in Punjab, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
- Key habitats were identified, with the highest dolphin concentrations observed in the Bhind-Pachnada stretch of the Chambal River and the Chausa-Manihari stretch of the Ganga.
- Dolphins were found to prefer deep water zones, confluences, mid-channel islands, and meandering sections of rivers, indicating specific habitat requirements.
PYQ:[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India? (a) Saltwater crocodile |
