The conservation of Indian dolphins, including the Gangetic, Indus, and Irrawaddy species, stands as a critical endeavor in preserving the rich biodiversity and ecological balance of the region’s waterways. These charismatic aquatic mammals, endemic to the rivers and estuaries of the Indian subcontinent, face myriad threats ranging from habitat degradation to human-induced activities such as pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and riverine development projects. Recognizing their ecological significance and cultural importance, concerted efforts are being made by conservation organizations, governments, and local communities to safeguard these species and their habitats. Through collaborative research, community engagement, and policy interventions, initiatives aimed at the conservation of Indian dolphins strive to ensure the long-term survival of these emblematic creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.
DOLPHINS
- Dolphins are inhabitants of aquatic ecosystems and are present in saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater environments.
- Within Indian waters and along its coasts, there have been documented reports of 15 species of marine and harbour dolphins.
- Moreover, Irrawady Dolphins inhabit the brackish waters of Odisha, while the Gangetic Dolphin, a freshwater species, is commonly found in the Ganges River and its tributaries.
- Additionally, Indus River Dolphins have been observed in the Indus River in Punjab.
- All dolphins, whether residing in freshwater, brackish water, or marine environments (Cetaceans), enjoy the highest level of protection against hunting, as they are listed in Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
GANGETIC RIVER DOLPHIN
- The Ministry of Environment and Forests has accorded the Ganges River Dolphin the status of National Aquatic Animal.
- This blind species exclusively inhabits freshwater environments. Using ultrasonic sounds for hunting, these dolphins emit signals that rebound off fish and other prey, enabling them to create a mental “image.”
- Commonly referred to as ‘susu,’ their global population is estimated at 4,000, with nearly 80 percent concentrated in the Indian subcontinent.
- Recognized as a reliable indicator of river ecosystem health, Ganges River Dolphins reside in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
- With an estimated population of 2,000 individuals, they are categorized in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
- As part of the ‘Recovery Programme of Critically Endangered Species,’ within the ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat’ Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Ganges Dolphin is one of 17 species identified for participation.
- Among the world’s four “obligate” freshwater dolphins, the others being ‘baiji’ of the Yangtze River (China), ‘bhulan’ of the Indus (Pakistan), and ‘boto’ of the Amazon River (Latin America), the Ganges River Dolphin is unique to rivers and lakes. In 2006, the Chinese River Dolphin was declared functionally extinct by an international team of scientists.
In India, the Ganges River Dolphin faces threats such as river water pollution, siltation, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and oil poaching. Additionally, river modifications like barrages and dams contribute to the separation of populations. Numerous organizations, including WWF-India in Uttar Pradesh, have initiated conservation and reintroduction programs to safeguard the Ganges River Dolphin.
INDUS RIVER DOLPHIN
- In 2019, the Indus River Dolphin was designated the State aquatic animal of Punjab.
- Limited to the lower regions of the Indus River in Pakistan and the River Beas, a tributary of the Indus River in Punjab, India, these dolphins are categorized as Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- Additionally, they are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and are part of Schedule I under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN
- Irrawaddy dolphins are classified under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and they are listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.
- These dolphins inhabit coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, along with three rivers: the Irrawaddy in Myanmar, the Mahakam in Indonesian Borneo, and the Mekong in China.
- Notably, concentrated populations are found in lagoons, particularly in Chilika Lake in Odisha and Songkhla Lake in southern Thailand.
PROJECT DOLPHIN
- In 2019, the initiation of Project Dolphin received preliminary approval during the inaugural meeting of the National Ganga Council (NGC) led by the Prime Minister.
- This project is a component of Arth Ganga, a comprehensive inter-ministerial initiative sanctioned in 2019 by the government.
- Project Dolphin is envisioned to follow a model akin to Project Tiger, renowned for its success in augmenting the tiger population.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change is expected to oversee the implementation of this initiative.
- Given that the Gangetic Dolphin holds the status of the national aquatic animal and serves as an indicator species for the Ganga River spanning various states, a specialized conservation program is imperative. Indicator species, often microorganisms or plants, act as proxies for assessing environmental conditions in a specific area.
- Being positioned at the apex of the food chain, the Gangetic dolphin plays a pivotal role.
- Safeguarding this species and its habitat becomes paramount for ensuring the continued existence of aquatic life in the river.
- Recognizing this, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) initiated a dolphin conservation program in 2016.
- The objective is to secure the long-term survival of dolphins and other river fauna, contributing to the overall health of the Ganga River ecosystem.
FAQs – DOLPHINS
Q1: How many species of dolphins are found in Indian waters?
A1: There are 15 documented species of marine and harbor dolphins reported in Indian waters and along its coasts.
Q2: Are dolphins protected against hunting?
A2: Yes, all dolphins, whether in freshwater, brackish water, or marine environments, enjoy the highest level of protection against hunting. They are listed in Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Q3: What is the status of the Ganges River Dolphin?
A3: The Ganges River Dolphin has been designated the National Aquatic Animal by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. It is blind and can only live in freshwater. With a global population of around 4,000, nearly 80 percent are found in the Indian subcontinent.
Q4: What rivers do Gangetic Dolphins inhabit?
A4: Gangetic Dolphins reside in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
Q5: Why is the Ganges River Dolphin considered an indicator species?
A5: As an indicator species, the Ganges River Dolphin is a reliable gauge of the overall health of the river ecosystem.
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