Why in the News?

The first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) has been tagged in Assam, marking a major achievement in wildlife conservation.

About Ganges River Dolphin:

Details

Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) – Known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” discovered in 1801.
Declared National Aquatic Animal in 2009 and State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
The announcement was made at the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).
Habitat: Around 90% of the species live in India, primarily in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems.
Features: Blind, lives in freshwater, uses ultrasonic sounds to hunt, travels in small groups, and surface every 30-120 seconds for breathing.

Importance and Threats

Acts as an indicator of river ecosystem health (being the apex predator).
Threats: Unintentional killing through fishing gear, poaching for oil, habitat destruction, pollution (industrial waste, pesticides, noise).

Protection Status and Government Initiatives

Protection Status:

Conservation Initiatives: Project Dolphin, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar), National Ganga River Dolphin Day (October 5).

Launch: Announced by PM Narendra Modi on 15th August 2020.
Objective: Conservation of India’s riverine and oceanic dolphins.
Duration: 10-year initiative.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
Key Objectives:
- Safeguard India’s dolphin population by mitigating threats to riverine and oceanic species.
- Address conservation challenges while engaging stakeholders in dolphin conservation efforts.

[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

(a) Saltwater crocodile

(b) Olive ridley turtle

(d) Gharial