Q: Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
a) Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
b) Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
c) Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
d) Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
The Correct Answer is 1, 3 and 4 only.
The Gangetic dolphin
- It is declared as the national aquatic animal of India.
- The Ganga river dolphins are one of the four freshwater dolphins found in the world.
- The increasing population of the crocodile in the river is nothing to do with the decline in the Ganges River Dolphins. Hence, Statement 2 is Not Correct.
Threats to gangetic dolphin
- Due to the construction of dams on river Ganga for irrigation and electricity generation which slow down the flow of the river in the main river channel and destroys their habitat.
- Due to the increase of pollution in the Ganga river the favourable condition for dolphins to survive also destroy.
- The rainwater carries pollutants, agrochemicals, pesticides and discharges these in the river cause water pollution.
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