A Gangetic river dolphin was allegedly poached in the Brahmaputra river (Kamrup, Assam), raising concerns over declining populations.

About Gangetic Dolphin

• Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica
• It is a freshwater river dolphin found in the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems (India, Nepal, Bangladesh).
• Recognised as India’s National Aquatic Animal and Assam’s State Aquatic Animal.
• Gangetic Dolphin in Assam are found in areas of the Kulsi River (Kamrup district), Subansiri River (Lakhimpur), Brahmaputra River in Majuli, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Tinsukia), Kaziranga National Park (Biswanath district), Guwahati (Darang-Kamrup metro), Goalpara-Bongaigaon, and Dhubri. 
  • The Barak River has been identified as a cold spot with no dolphin population
• Acts as an indicator species, reflecting the health of river ecosystems.

Key Features

• It has a long snout, stocky body, and large flippers.
• Known as the “blind dolphin” due to absence of eye lens.
• Uses bio-sonar (echolocation) to navigate and hunt in murky waters.
• It is a mammal, hence must surface frequently to breathe.
• Feeds mainly on fish species and thrives in deep river channels.

Conservation Status

• IUCN: Endangered
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection)
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species: Appendix I

Threats

• Poaching for oil used in fishing and traditional medicine.
• Habitat degradation due to pollution, dams, and sand mining.
• Accidental entanglement in fishing nets.
• Declining prey base and river fragmentation.

Government Initiatives

• Project Dolphin was launched on 15 August 2020 under the Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • The project aims to conserve riverine and marine dolphins through scientific research, habitat protection, and community participation.
• Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar is India’s only dedicated dolphin sanctuary.
  • It is located along the Ganga River in Bhagalpur district.
• The Gangetic river dolphin was declared India’s National Aquatic Animal on 5 October 2009.
  • The day is observed as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.
• India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was inaugurated in Patna, Bihar.

Exam Hook

Prelims Question:
With reference to the Gangetic river dolphin, consider the following statements:

1. It is found in marine ecosystems.
2. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
3. It uses echolocation to navigate.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

One-line wrap: The Gangetic dolphin, a key indicator of river health, faces serious threats from poaching and habitat loss, demanding urgent conservation action.

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