Gangetic dolphin

About Gangetic dolphin:

• Common Name: Susu
• Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica gangetica.
• Population: Less than 1800 (1200 to 1800).
  
• Habitat: Ganges river dolphins once lived in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• Some characteristics:
  • The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater.
  • It is essentially blind and they hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds.
  • It has a sturdy, yet flexible, body with large flippers and a low triangular dorsal fin.
  • Calves are chocolate brown at birth and then have grey-brown smooth, hairless skin as adults.
  • Females are larger than males and give birth once every two to three years to only one calf.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule-I 
  • CITES: Appendix I

Government's conservation efforts:

• In 2009, Gangetic dolphins were declared the national aquatic animal of India.
• The Prime Minister announced ‘Project Gangetic Dolphin’ on August 15, 2023 for the conservation of the Gangetic dolphins.