Gangetic River Dolphin

Gangetic River Dolphin Latest News

Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report recognized India’s Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica) species recovery program. 

About Gangetic River Dolphin

• It is a freshwater species and one of the few river dolphins found in the world.
• Other Names: Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin.
• Distribution: It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• It has been recognized by the government of India as its National Aquatic Animal.

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Features of Gangetic Dolphin

• It has a long, thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body, and large flippers are characteristics of the Ganges River dolphin.
• Diet: It feeds majorly on freshwater fish and invertebrates.
• Its eyes lack lenses, and as a result, this species is also referred to as the “blind dolphin”.
• They have a highly developed bio-sonar system that facilitates them to hunt for fish even in murky waters.
• They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey. The dolphin then registers this image in its mind and subsequently catches hold of its prey.
• Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in the water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. 
• Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the ‘Susu’.

Conservation Status of Gangetic Dolphin

• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule-I 

Source: NIE