Dolphin Survey

Source: DTE

Context: A comprehensive survey under Project Dolphin (2020) estimated 6,327 Gangetic dolphins across eight Indian states.

• The survey provides the first systematic population estimate of river dolphins in India, aiding conservation efforts.

About Dolphin Survey:

• Survey Conducted By:

• Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Project Dolphin (2020). Conducted with support from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and various state forest departments.

• Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Project Dolphin (2020).

• Conducted with support from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and various state forest departments.

• Survey Coverage:

• Covered 28 rivers across eight states, spanning 8,507 km. Major river basins: Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.

• Covered 28 rivers across eight states, spanning 8,507 km.

• Major river basins: Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.

• Key Findings:

• Total Dolphins: 6,327 (6,324 Gangetic dolphins + 3 Indus dolphins). State-wise estimates:

• Total Dolphins: 6,327 (6,324 Gangetic dolphins + 3 Indus dolphins).

• State-wise estimates:

About Gangetic Dolphin:

• What is the Gangetic Dolphin?

• A freshwater river dolphin, one of the few river dolphins in the world. Known as “Susu” due to the sound it makes while surfacing.

• A freshwater river dolphin, one of the few river dolphins in the world.

• Known as “Susu” due to the sound it makes while surfacing.

• Rivers found in:

• Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu River systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Extinct in many parts of its original range.

• Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu River systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

• Extinct in many parts of its original range.

• Key Features:

• Blind dolphin: Has no lens in its eyes, relies on echolocation for movement and hunting. Feeds on fish and prefers counter-current systems of main river channels. Surfaces every 30-120 seconds to breathe, as it cannot survive underwater.

• Blind dolphin: Has no lens in its eyes, relies on echolocation for movement and hunting.

• Feeds on fish and prefers counter-current systems of main river channels.

• Surfaces every 30-120 seconds to breathe, as it cannot survive underwater.

• IUCN Status & National Recognition:

• IUCN Red List: Endangered Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I species (highest protection). National Aquatic Animal of India – Declared in 2009.

• IUCN Red List: Endangered

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I species (highest protection).

• National Aquatic Animal of India – Declared in 2009.