The recent spotlight on Punjab’s wildlife preservation wing’s initiatives has brought focus on the importance of conserving Indus river dolphins, declared as the State aquatic animal of Punjab in 2019. This drive also includes the preservation of their natural habitat.
Understanding the Indus River Dolphin
Scientifically classified as Platanista gangetica minor, the Indus River Dolphin has been a curious subject of study. Contrary to previous beliefs that categorized South Asian river dolphins as one species, a fresh perspective suggests that Indus and Ganges River dolphins are two distinct species. Although both currently come under the Platanista gangetica species, further biological studies indicate distinctive differences.
Like its Ganges counterpart and other freshwater dolphins, the Indus river dolphin is a crucial indicator of a river’s health. Their presence or absence can provide significant insights into the river’s eco-balance. Within Indian waters, other dolphin varieties such as the Ganges River Dolphins and Irrawaddy dolphins can be spotted.
Indus River Dolphin’s Habitat
A unique feature of the Indus River Dolphin is its specific choice of habitat. These dolphins inhabit the lower parts of the Indus River in Pakistan. In India, they are found in River Beas, a tributary of the Indus River located in Punjab.
Threats to the Indus River Dolphin
Despite their ecological significance, Indus River Dolphins face multiple threats. Biological resource use tops this list. Activities such as fishing and harvesting aquatic resources pose a serious danger to their existence.
Natural system modifications like dam construction and water management or use are also detrimental. These changes can disrupt the dolphin’s natural habitat leading to displacement or even death.
Pollution, another significant hazard, is of three kinds: Domestic and urban wastewater, industrial and military effluents, as well as agricultural and forestry effluents. Such pollution not only degrades the dolphin’s habitat but can also directly harm these aquatic animals.
Conservation Status of the Indus River Dolphin
Due to these threats, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Indus River Dolphin as ‘Endangered’. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) places this species under ‘Appendix I’, and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 includes it in ‘Schedule I’.
Protection Measures Initiated
Acknowledging the imminent threats to the species, several measures have been taken for their protection. A project to enumerate freshwater dolphins is underway as a nationwide initiative by the central government.
Building on this momentum is ‘Project Dolphin’. Announced on Independence Day 2020, this initiative mirrors ‘Project Tiger’ that successfully augmented tiger populations. It seeks to enhance protection efforts, conserve habitats and increase the population of the Indus River Dolphin.
This concentrated effort towards the preservation of the Indus river dolphin not only ensures the protection of a unique species but also serves as a symbol of the overall health of our rivers and larger ecosystem.
