Why in the News?

A team of wildlife conservationists tagged the Ganges river dolphin for the first time.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About Ganges River Dolphin (Key Features, Geographical Distribution, Significance, Conservation Status, Govt Efforts, etc.)
• News Summary

About Ganges River Dolphin:

• The Ganges River Dolphin, declared as India's National Aquatic Animal in 2009, is an endangered freshwater dolphin species primarily found in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems.
• Known locally as Susu, it serves as an indicator of the health of river ecosystems due to its apex predator role.
• Key Features:
  
  • Physical Characteristics: Nearly blind, it uses echolocation to navigate and hunt.
  • Habitat: Prefers slow-moving waters with adequate depth and prey availability.
  • Diet: Carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish and invertebrates.
• Geographical Distribution:
  • Found in the Ganga, Brahmaputra-Meghna, and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
  • Historically widespread, but populations are now fragmented due to anthropogenic pressures.
• Ecological Significance:
  • Keystone Species: Plays a crucial role in maintaining riverine ecosystem balance.
  • Indicator Species: Reflects the overall health of freshwater ecosystems.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Status: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Major Threats:
  • Habitat Degradation:
    • Pollution from industries, agriculture, and urban runoff.
    • Dams and barrages fragment habitats, reducing population connectivity.
  • Bycatch and Hunting:
    • Accidental entanglement in fishing nets.
    • Targeted for oil and meat in some areas.
  • Water Abstraction:
    • Excessive withdrawal of water for agriculture and industry impacts river flow.
  • Riverbed Alteration:
    • Sand mining and dredging disrupt habitats.

Conservation Efforts by the Government:

• Project Dolphin (2020):
  • Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on the conservation of both river and marine dolphins.
• Protected Areas:
  • Designated dolphin sanctuaries like Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar.
• Community Awareness:
  • Initiatives to educate local communities about sustainable fishing and conservation.
• Technological Interventions:
  • Satellite tagging projects for studying migration and habitat needs.
• Legislative Measures:
  • Strict enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act and bans on harmful practices like sand mining. 

News Summary:

• India marked a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the first-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin in Assam.
• This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), was executed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
• The project is part of the larger Project Dolphin.
• Objectives and Significance:
  • Understanding Habitat Needs: The tagging aims to fill knowledge gaps regarding the Ganges River Dolphin's habitat requirements, migratory patterns, and range distribution.
  • Conservation Efforts: By studying their behaviour and movement, the project seeks to develop a conservation action plan for protecting this apex predator, which plays a vital role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems.
  • Technological Advancement: Lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos systems were used, ensuring minimal interference with the dolphins' movement.
• Broader Implications:
  • The project underscores India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sets a benchmark for protecting endangered species globally.
  • It also highlights the need for continued technological advancements and comprehensive research to ensure the sustainability of river ecosystems.
  • This landmark effort reflects the growing awareness and proactive measures toward conserving India's rich aquatic biodiversity.