GANGA RIVER DOLPHIN

Why in the News? 

India's first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was recently inaugurated in Patna, Bihar, aimed at conserving the endangered Gangetic River dolphin.

About NDRC

• It facilitates in-depth studies conducted by scientists and researchers regarding the dolphin species.
• Additionally, the centre offers training to fishermen on effective dolphin conservation methods.

About Ganga River Dolphin

• Key features:
  • Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) commonly known as Susu is endemic to the Indian sub-continent.
  • Also known as the Tiger of the Ganga.
  • Long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body, and large flippers.
  • Slit similar to a blowhole on top of its head, acting as a nostril.
  • Females are larger than males and give birth to one calf every two to three years.
  • Calves have chocolate brown skin at birth, while adults have grey-brown smooth, hairless skin.

• Other Features
  • Ganges River dolphins, restricted to freshwater, use ultrasonic waves for hunting and navigating.
  • Their unique swimming behaviour aids in finding food, and they emit the 'Susu' sound while surfacing to breathe.

• Major Threats:
  • Unintentional killing, overexploitation of prey due to fishing gear entanglement, poaching for dolphin oil.
    • Habitat destruction from water projects, pollution, and fragmented populations from dams.
• Initiatives for Dolphin Protection:
  • Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar: India's sole dolphin sanctuary.
  • Project Dolphin: Modelled after Project Tiger, focusing on special conservation measures for Gangetic River Dolphins, as they are umbrella species.
    • To conserve both the marine and riverine dolphins as well as associated Cetaceans.
    • It is funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India
  • National Aquatic Animal: It was declared the national aquatic animal on 5th October 2009, which is celebrated as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.