Ganges River Dolphin
Recently, India’s first National Dolphin Research Center has been established in Patna (Bihar) with the aim of conserving the Ganges River Dolphin.
National Dolphin Research Center (NDRC)
- National Dolphin Research Center (NDRC) has been established on the Banks of River Ganga at Patna (Bihar).
- This project was approved in the year 2013, whose objective is to help scientists and researchers to comprehensively study the Ganges dolphin.
- This will boost efforts to conserve the endangered Ganges dolphin.
- It will also train fishermen on dolphin conservation methods.
Ganges River Dolphin
- The Ganges River Dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India. It is commonly known as ‘sous’.
- It is also called ‘Tiger of Ganga’.
- It is an endemic species of the Indian subcontinent which is found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu rivers.
Features
- Ganges River Dolphin is a blind aquatic creature, whose vital power is extremely intense.
- Ganges River Dolphin is found only in fresh water.
- It uses ultrasonic sounds to hunt.
- A long incision on the top of their head serves as their nose.
- Their physical structure – long thin snout, strong body and round stomach.
- Female dolphins are larger than male dolphins, giving birth to one child every 2-3 years.
Initiatives taken for Dolphin Conservation:
- Project Dolphin
- This is a special conservation measure for Ganges River Dolphin started on the lines of Project Tiger.
- It was started in the year 2019.
- Vikramshila is the only dolphin sanctuary of Ganges Dolphin Wildlife.
National Aquatic Fauna:
On October 5, 2009, it was declared the national aquatic animal of India.
Major Threats:
- Illegal Hunting
- Habitat Degradation
- Pollution and Dam Construction
- Overexploitation
- Climate Change
