Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganga 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 fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of
rivers.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer:
(c)
Non-traditional
Statement 1 is correct: Construction of dams and barrages fragments the river habitat, obstructs dolphin migration, reduces water flow, and depletes prey availability. Statement 2 is incorrect: Crocodiles are not considered a significant threat to dolphins. The major reasons for decline are anthropogenic (human-caused), not predation. Statement 3 is correct: Dolphins often get entangled in fishing nets (bycatch), leading to accidental deaths. This is one of the major causes of their decline. Statement 4 is correct: Runoff from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides causes water pollution, eutrophication, and contamination of prey species, which negatively impacts dolphins.