Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

  • Category:                        
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • National Status: Declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India
  • Range Description: Found exclusively in freshwater rivers of the Indian subcontinent. Its range includes the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems flowing through India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
  • Habitat & Ecology: Prefers deep freshwater habitats and is commonly found in counter-current systems of major river channels. It must surface regularly to breathe air as it is a mammal.
  • Common Names: Ganges dolphin, Susu, Blind Dolphin, Hihu, Side-swimming Dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin

Threats:

  • Pollution of river ecosystems
  • Habitat fragmentation due to damming and irrigation
  • Accidental entanglement in fishing nets
  • Illegal poaching and river traffic noise
  • Water diversion projects altering river flow
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