The previous nationwide survey (2021–23) recorded an estimated 6,327 riverine dolphins in India.
- The ongoing survey will include a new species, Irrawaddy dolphin, in Sundarbans and Odisha, apart from the Gangetic and Indus River Dolphins.
About Project Dolphin
- Launched: 15th August 2020.
- Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Development of Wildlife Habitats.
- Aim: To conserve both marine and riverine dolphins, along with associated cetaceans through habitat protection, scientific research, and community awareness.
River Dolphins (superfamily Platinistoidea)
Characteristics:
- Functionally blind, and rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt.
- A long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body and large flippers.
- As an apex predator, they are key Indicator species of the health of rivers.
Types of River Dolphins
- Ganges river dolphin (P. gangetica):
- Occurs in Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna, and Sangu-Karnaphuli River systems in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
- Locally called ‘susu’, it is endemic and India’s National Aquatic Animal.
- Protection Status: Endangered (IUCN), Schedule–I (Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972)
- Indus river dolphin (P. minor):
- Occur in Indus basin (Beas River in India).
- Locally called ‘Bhulan’, it is Punjab's State Aquatic Animal
- Protection Status: Endangered (IUCN), Schedule–I (WPA, 1972)
- Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris):
- Occur in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments throughout southeast Asia.
- Slow swimmers, have unique water spitting behavior.
- Protection Status: Endangered (IUCN)
Initiatives taken for Conservation of Dolphins:
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