Since its inception, the annual Ganges river Dolphin census conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature- India (WWF-India) in association with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department has been an essential aspect of tracking the endangered species. This year, the census particularly gained attention as it involved a change in the counting method. The 250 km stretch of the Upper Ganga river basin between Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary and Narora Ramsar site was surveyed differently compared to the previous years.
Transforming the Census Methodology
The conventional direct counting method was substituted with the ‘tandem boat survey’ method this year to yield more accurate results. This innovative method involves two inflated boats moving in tandem for counting dolphins. Once the data from the survey is collected, statistical tools are deployed to derive the final dolphin count. According to the 2015 census records, the dolphin tally stood at 22. The figure remained relatively constant over the past few years, however, this year might witness an anticipated positive fluctuation in their numbers.
About the Ganges River Dolphin
Scientifically known as Platanista Gangetica, the Ganges river dolphin is endemic to parts of the Ganges-Meghna-Brahmaputra and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems encompassing countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Fondly referred to as ‘Susu’, this mammal is India’s national aquatic animal and symbolises the health of the riverine ecosystem. It ranks amongst the world’s four freshwater dolphins; the remaining three include the ‘Baiji’ from Yangtze River in China (now likely extinct), the ‘Bhulan’ of the Indus in Pakistan, and the ‘Boto’ of the Amazon River in Latin America. Ideally, these four species are found only in rivers and lakes.
Challenges Ahead for the Ganges River Dolphin
The Ganges river dolphin grapples with numerous threats that pose a question on its survival. These threats range from pollution due to single-use plastic and industrial waste, restrictive water flow caused by the surge in dams and barrages, to poaching for their flesh, fat, and oil. Shipping and dredging activities also contribute to the adversity as they create noise pollution affecting the dolphin’s echolocation mechanism.
| Ganges River Dolphin Threats | Impact |
|---|---|
| Pollution | Dumps of single-use plastic and industrial waste harm the dolphins’ habitat. |
| Restrictive Water Flow | The surge in dams and barrages impedes the natural water flow required for the dolphin’s growth. |
| Poaching | Dolphins are hunted for their flesh, fat, and oil, which is sold for various purposes including recreational fishing and ointment. |
| Shipping & Dredging Noise | The noise produced by large ship propellers and dredging impacts the echolocation mechanism crucial for the dolphins’ navigation and hunt. |
Protection Measures and Status of the Ganges River Dolphin
As per IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), the Ganges river dolphin is labelled as ‘Endangered’. It enjoys a position in CITES Appendix-I and falls under Schedule 1 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India. These distinctions ensure the highest penalties for any offense concerning these mammals. The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) located in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district holds the title of being India’s sole sanctuary intended specifically for the protection of this national aquatic animal.
(Source: TH)
